FIREFIGHTERS have branded a derelict mill 'a threat to the community' after being repeatedly targeted by arsonists.

Ten crew members were called to Albert Mill shortly after midnight on Sunday after trespassers broke into the mill and started a small fire in the basement.

Fire chiefs have said that the site, which has permission for 49 apartments to be constructed, is the subject of attacks every month which put the lives of firefighters and the fire-starters in danger.

Two crews from Bacup and Rochdale were sent to the mill in Market Street, Whitworth, with two firefighters using breathing apparatus sent into the building to tackle the blaze.

Thermal imaging cameras and hosereels were used to bring the fire under control.

The latest fire comes after firefighter Chris Farrow, from Bacup broke his back while answering an emergency call at Albert Mill in May 2009 — though fortunately he was able to return to full-time duties after a period of rehabilitation.

The fire service has now issued a plea for the attacks on the mill to stop before someone else is hurt.

Watch manager Chris Howarth, from Bacup Fire Station, said: "This follows numerous incidents at the mill and I would are urge members of the public to keep out of Albert Mill as it is in a very poor state of repair and poses risks to anyone who enters, including the emergency services.

"Youths are entering the building still despite several appeals for them to stay away out of the mill.

"The mill poses a serious risk to everyone who goes near it and it's becoming a threat to the community.

"There is a good chance that people are going to get hurt and steps must be taken to make sure that that does not happen.

"We are working with the police and Rossendale Council on this to try and deter people from entering the mill.

"The problem is that it's open access so it's not difficult for people to get in there.

"There fires are constantly on-going and they need to be stopped.

"Nuisance rubbish fires tie up fire service resources when they could be needed at a house fire or road traffic collision where somebody is trapped and requires an immediate response."