A BLACKBURN landmark could be demolished after fire ravaged through the listed building last night.

Fire crews from Blackburn battled the blaze at the former Kings Inn, King Street, for more than three hours after fire broke out just before 5pm.

Police today said they were investigating the blaze, which destroyed the roof and rooms on the ground and first floors.

Fire bosses said the blaze in the derelict building was probably started by youngsters.

Two appliances and the brigade's incident support unit attended the scene, where they remained until 8.45pm.

Station officer Peter Frazer said: "We are putting the cause down to children lighting a couple of fires.

"It was insecure at the back so it looks like they have gone round the back and got in. The problem was they got into the roof. That's where most of the damage is. We spent quite some time with the aerial platform ladder.

"It looks like it's on the verge of collapse. I understand from the council's building inspector there's a good chance it might be put down for demolition.There's a lot of structural support in there, bits of scaffolding.

"Now all the tiles are off and there's quite a lot of damage inside."

Firefighters also found used needles in the building.

Mr Frazer went on: "At the moment we are having a lot of problems with nuisance fires. This one could have had serious consequences -- there's evidence someone has been in there, drug users.

"There were needles and things in one of the back rooms."

Police closed off King Street during the incident and crews returned later to dampen down.

Inspector Graham Keyte, of Blackburn Police, said: "We will be relying heavily on the fire brigade's findings. The building itself was gutted, they had to take the roof off. When they got in the building it was a lot worse than they first thought so they had to retreat and ended up having to take the roof off. We are still at a loss as to who the actual owners are."