THIEVES stole thousands of pounds worth of fireplaces after breaking in to a warehouse in Burnley.

The raiders cut through the telephone lines and knocked through two walls at the Fireplace Warehouse, Accrington Road before making off with their £50,000 haul.

The raid happened between July 28 and August 10 when the store, one of the largest in the country, was closed for a summer break.

Insp Damian Darcy, of Burnley police, said: "It seems that the business had been shut for a couple of weeks when the thieves went in, and they have made a very determined effort to break in and steal equipment to a very high value.

"We would appeal to anyone who may have seen anybody acting suspiciously in the area of the business at around the time of the break-in to get in touch."

The business was founded in the 1990s by sales manager Adrian Mason and builder Mark Townsend. They launched the idea at a car-boot sale and operated with a van and an exhibition stand for 18 months before converting part of their warehouse into a showroom. The business has seen a six-fold increase in staff since it was set up and the company now employs 18 full-time staff, has a turnover approaching £2m.

Anyone with information should call police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.