FIREFIGHTERS were called after youths set fire to some tyres next to the derelict Rishton papermill. 

The six or seven tyres had been pulled up against the side of the building. 

Two crews were called to the scene at around 7pm last night.

A fire spokesman said it was a case of anti-social behaviour and the site is near an area where kids tend to congregate.

He said: "The person who reported it thought the building was on fire. 

"There were probably about six or seven tyres against a big brick wall - about three or four storeys high. 

"It didn't catch fire but blackened all of the bricks." 

It comes as Burnley police issued a plea to parents to have a chat with their children about the dangers of fires with the nights getting lighter. 

A spokesman said: “Now it’s lighter later, your kids probably want to go out more and meet up with their mates but do you know where they are going and what they are up to?

“We have had reports of youngsters entering derelict buildings and setting off fires.

“Some young people may think it’s fun and a bit of an ‘adventure’ but this kind of behaviour can lead them into dangerous situations.

“Please can you have a chat with your children and explain the dangers?

“We know that you can't be with them all the time but by helping them understand the risk and potential consequences it might help prevent possible accidents. Thank you.”