A FOURTH East Lancashire mill has been gutted in a blaze.

Flames ripped through the roof at Wellington Mill, Bolton Road, Blackburn, sending a plume of black smoke over the area just after 11pm on Tuesday.

Firefighters battled the flames, but at one point had to retreat as a number of gas cylinders exploded.

It took them four hours to get the fire under control.

Only two fire engines and the aerial ladder could be sent to the scene due to its location.

Firefighters said the mill was left gutted.

The site is home to The Car Body Repair Shop.

Its owner could not be contacted for comment last night.

Firefighters said they were currently investigating the cause.

It was the fourth blaze in an East Lancashire mill in recent weeks.

Octaveward, Balle Street Mill, Darwen, was badly damaged in a fire, forcing 53 members of staff to be evacuated.

Then 100 firefighters tackled a blaze at the derelict Woodfield Mill, Traf-algar Street, Burnley, not far from junction 10 of the M65.

Flames rose 100 feet into the air and could be seen for miles around.

A day later, firefighters battled a massive fire at Vernon-Carus Mill, Johnston New Road, Hoddlesden, which had been derelict since 2003.

The site had been a hot spot for anti-social behaviour from youths.

A developer who owns the build has pledged to turn the site into homes.