FIRE chiefs in Darwen have hit out after the safety of officers was put at risk on Tuesday night.

Crews were called to Argyle Street at around 6pm after reports of smoke pouring from a wheelie bin.

Station watch manager Steve Ryan said it was thought at first to be just a case of rubbish catching fire.

However, on inspection, it became clear that the bin had been torched using an aerosol can which had not exploded.

Mr Ryan said: "The can had been dumped in the bin which was very dangerous for our officers."

Officers doused the flames and safely removed the canister. An investigation has been launched.