A WORKER has suffered scalds to his face and chest at an industrial cleaning firm in Blackburn.

Police said the man, in his 30s, was operating a piece of machinery at B and M Longworth Ltd in Sett End Road North when it malfunctioned and steam escaped, badly scalding him just after 10.30am today.

Insp Des Barr said: "He was operating a piece of machinery when it broke and a steaming hot jet has burned his face and his chest."

Insp Barr described the man's injuries as bad but not life-threatening. The incident has been reported to the Health and Safety Executive.

The injured man is being treated at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.