DETECTIVES investigating a fire which ripped through a paper and packaging plant in Darwen two weeks ago are awaiting the results of a forensic examination to determine the cause of the blaze.

The fire at Stamford Convertors, also known as Stamford Packaging, destroyed part of the building on Exchange Street on November 15.

Seventy fire fighters from across Lancashire battled through the night to bring the blaze under control as an exploding propane gas canister sent flames shooting 70ft into the air.

Police and fire investigation officers are treating the fire as arson.

Det Sgt Ian Critchley from Darwen CID said: "At the moment we are waiting for forensic analysis on items taken from the scene at the time, which could take several weeks, and a full report from the fire service."

No one at the factory was available for comment.