CHILDREN who are being blamed for setting fire to an empty mill are risking their lives, firefighters today warned.

Crews from Accrington fire station were called out to two fires at a derelict factory in Richmond Hill Street, Accrington, last night.

Sub-officer Gary Ibbitson said that there was a history of children setting fire to the building and fears there could soon be a death.

"There is a very good chance we could have a fatality. The kids doing this don't appreciate the risks and before they know it a fire could get out of control.

"We have attended fires there on numerous occasions all set by kids. There is the potential that one of these fires could turn into a massive one and then we would be committing firefighters inside all for a derelict building."

Mr Ibbitson said that the building was owned by the mosque in Higher Antley Street and that police were today going there to express their concerns.