A suspected arson attack which caused around £100,000 worth of damage is being investigated by police.

Two fishermen's livelihoods have been seriously damaged after fire ripped through stores on East Looe Quay shortly before 1.30am on Tuesday. Harbourmaster, Jeff Penhaligan said: 'It's ridiculous cutting off a man's livelihood like that.

'One of them has been a fisherman for more than 50 years. everything was in the store, he is gutted, he doesn't know where to turn. He will lose days at sea having to replace and repair the equipment.'

Nine trawler nets, gas cylinders and other fishing equipment was destroyed in the blaze that happened while both fishermen were out at sea.

Eyewitness and Barbican Hill resident Angela Harrison said: 'I could see flames and my fears were of the fuel tank going up.

'There was a lot of black smoke and the flames were horrendous, they were popping and roaring.'

West Looe resident, Derek Gyles was woken by the noise: 'I heard a bang, cracking and explosions and an alarm went off.

'I thought it was the big net bins by the diesel tanks.'

Two of the lower granite quay stores were well alight when firefighters got the call and nearby properties were evacuated.

Mr Penhaligan added: 'This sort of thing doesn't happen in Looe.

'We are very surprised but the fire brigade and police were on the scene within five minutes of the shout and fire crews did a superb job.'

Five fire crews from Looe, Liskeard and Bodmin attended the incident and police are appealing for witnesses.