A FIRE which ripped through a mill building is being investigated by police.

Fire chiefs have yet to confirm whether or not they are treating the blaze, which destroyed three units within the Welch Hill Mill complex in Leigh, as arson.

But a police spokesman said the blaze appeared "suspicious" and confirmed they were investigating.

Police have also appealed for anyone with any information about the fire -- which destroyed expensive engineering machinery, computers and guillotine equipment -- to get in touch.

The police spokesman said: "It is being investigated by the CID at Leigh but it has not yet been confirmed as arson.

"Police are probing the fire. It does look suspicious. Anybody with any information or who knows anything about it should contact us."

Ten companies within the complex off Twist Lane escaped serious damage as 18-inch walls prevented the inferno spreading past units nine, ten and 11.

But Welch Mill Carpets suffered water damage and the firm has earmarked stock worth £1 million for a cut-price sale. Residents living near the canalside mill, off Twist Lane, raised the alarm at about 10.30pm last Sunday, alerted by the sound of gas canisters exploding and thick smoke pouring from the roof.

More than 50 firefighters and eight fire engines rushed to the scene to battle with shooting flames which lit up the sky on the outskirts of Leigh town centre. Emergency crews were still present more than 14 hours later.

Derek Eaves, joint owner of the industrial complex, said it was too early to put a price on the damage but said: "It could have been a lot worse."

Mr Eaves, who has owned part of the complex with Brian Derbyshire for more than ten years, added: "Staff have been working around the clock to get the other units back up and running and have done a great job.

"Insurance assessors have been down but there has been no talk of costs yet. The fire service did a brilliant job and without them it could have been a lot worse."

Anyone with information about the blaze should contact police on 0161 856 7342.