A DERELICT chemical plant was torched last night.

Firefighters spent three hours tackling the blaze at the former Clariant UK Ltd building, in Nook Lane, Oswaldtwistle.

Three engines attended the scene from 8.10pm and an aerial platform was used.

There were concerns because the building was believed to contain asbestos.

A spokesman for the fire service said it was being treated as an arson attack and an investigation would be starting this morning.

The plant, formerly known as the home of Cocker Chemicals before its takeover by Clairant, closed in March, 2006.