A BLAZE which destroyed 250 tonnes of baled paper worth in excess of £100,000 may have been deliberately started.

Investigations were continuing today into the blaze which broke out on Saturday evening at St Regis Paper Mill, Hollins Road, Darwen.

Sub-officer Steve Ryan, of Darwen fire station, said: "Investigations are not fully complete, but everything points to it being started deliberately. "The unit was secure, but we are looking at the possibility that something could have been thrown into the yard to start the fire."

Firefighters from Darwen and Blackburn took three hours to bring Saturday's blaze under control.

The fire started in an outdoor storage area and flames quickly spread among the 10-metre high bales.

Five appliances were at the scene within minutes and firefighters were forced to use a turntable ladder to fight the flames from above.

They managed to stop the fire spreading to the factory and nearby articulated trailers.

Sgt Phil Nowland, of Darwen police, said: "We are still awaiting a full report from the fire station."

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