A CO-OP has closed temporarily after a freezer containing ice creams caught fire.
Three members of staff and a shopper were evacuated from the Blackburn store when the fire broke out near the shop entrance earlier today.
Fire crews, including four engines, were called to Whalley New Road at around 6.40pm.
Watch manager Dan Proctor said the blaze was caused by an electrical fault and described it as 'accidental'.
No one suffered any injuries but the shop was left heavily smoke logged and the fridge freezer has been burnt out.
Mr Proctor added: "The staff acted as they should have done and got all the customers out.
"The fire was only two square metres but thick black smoke has spread throughout the store."
Co-op has said the store will remain closed for several days. A spokesman said: "We can confirm that there was a small electrical fire at our Brownhill store yesterday evening, which was quickly extinguished.
"The store will be closed for the next few days, and we would like to apologise for any inconvenience this causes. The nearest Co-op is at 799 Whalley New Road.”
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