AN ARSON investigation has been launched following a fire at a former mill building.

Four fire engines attended the suspected deliberate fire at the former Waterside Mill, Burnley Road, Bacup, at 9.15pm last night.

Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the large rubbish fire, which was located on the ground floor of the building, using one water jet.

Crews from Burnley, Bacup and Rawtenstall were at the scene for around one hour.

Nobody was injured.

The fire is being treated as a suspected arson attack.

The police have been informed. No arrests have been made.

Firefighters have hit out at the suspected arsonists and said they are putting their lives and those of other people at risk.

Bacup fire station watch manager Chris Howarth said: "Fire crews are urging members of the public to keep out of Waterside Mill as it is in a very poor state of repair and poses risks to anyone who enters, including the emergency services.

"Albert Mill in Whitworth was the scene of a serious accident a few years ago when a firefighter fell through a hole in the floor whilst searching for a deliberately set rubbish fire.

"This could easily happen to anyone who enters Waterside Mill.

"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 emergency response.

"Think twice before deliberately setting a fire and keep out of dangerous derelict buildings."

Anyone with information can call police on 101.