Cars attack No2

Paint-stripper was poured over 27 of the 45 vehicles at M65 Car Sales, four car windows were smashed and stones were thrown through the showroom window.

Gavin Forrest, director of the Blackburn Road company, has offered a reward for information leading to an arrest.

Twelve weeks ago, £25,000 worth of damage was caused after vandals scratched vehicles for sale at the dealers.

Mr Forrest, who believes the business is being deliberately targeted, today said: "This is just mindless vandalism but I don't think it is kids.

"They have had a pump containing the paint stripper, which was strong stuff. It must be either someone who is jealous of our success or who wants this site for their own business.

But if someone thinks we are going to be driven away they have another think coming. We are not budging. We are hardworking people and are here seven days a week and we won't be beaten."

Damaged cars include a variety of makes, two of which had already been sold.

Mr Forrest said: "I am offering a substantial reward for any information to catch these people and am pleading for anyone who knows what happened to contact the police.

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The latest incident took place overnight on Friday and was discovered by staff when they arrived on Saturday morning.

The business remained open this week despite the damage.

Det Con Mark Oates, of Darwen CID, said: "This was high-value criminal damage. They have made a real mess and several thousands of pounds worth of damage.

"The business is on quite a busy main road. We don't know what time it was committed but someone may have been driving past and seen somebody acting suspiciously.

"The motive for the damage is unclear at the moment but we are treating this as very serious due to the amount of damage caused and the obvious problems it's going to cause for the owners who have lost more than half of their stock, which will need to be repaired."

Anyone with information should contact Darwen CID on 01254 353843.