Fire hits disused Lancashire factory

A disused factory in Lancashire has been badly damaged after fire tore through the building this morning (5th December).

Fire crews were called to the facility in Darwen at around 12.15am after thick smoke was seen billowing from the site, reports the Lancashire Telegraph.

Nearby residents were told to keep their windows and doors locked to keep the smoke out of their homes, while local police officers closed off surrounding roads.

Watch manager Tony Ashworth, of Rawtenstall Fire Station, told the news provider: "There was a lot of smoke emanating from the factory yard and it [the fire] was rapidly developing in the outhouses.

"We used a special jet on the ariel ladder platform and monitor to help bring the fire under control. The building was totally damaged by fire."

The fire is being treated as suspicious.