THE cause of a fire which destroyed 150 tonnes of waste oil was being probed today.

More than 40 firefighters tackled the blaze at Ashworth's Food Products, in Bridge Street, Accrington, at 3.35pm on Saturday.

It is believed the fire started in the back of the premises where there is storage equipment and two large containers to hold 150 tonnes of oil.

The containers and storage area were completely destroyed and the inside of the building slightly damaged.

Police cordoned off Bridge Street until firefighters left the premises about 6.30pm.

Station officer Gary Ibbitson said: "It was a large fire giving off a thick dense smoke which looked quite dramatic.

"When we got there there was a large fire developing in the rear of the site and when we broke our way in there was a large storage area which had two containers of oil which were well alight.

"Fortunately there was no danger of the fire spreading to neighbouring Blythe's Chemicals due to a concrete perimeter fence.

"We are still investigating the cause of the fire as the site was all secure. There appears to be no reason for it at the moment but we are still talking to the management."