SHOP owners were today counting the cost of a blaze which ripped through nine properties.

Detectives and fire officials are still investigating how the fire started above a former Cantonese take-away in New Wellington Street, Mill Hill, Blackburn, late on Saturday night, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Fire crews were at the scene for more than five hours and were still damping down smouldering buildings the following morning.

Residents spotted flames shooting from the roof of the Jade Garden take-away just after 11pm.

The fire quickly spread to unoccupied neighbouring terrace properties and businesses including Averil's Hairdressers and a pet shop, but luckily no animals were injured.

Averil Mitchell, who owns the salon, said: "The place is gutted and we'll be closed for the foreseeable future. "Until the loss adjusters come I wouldn't like to put a price on how much damage has been caused."

Station officer David Bowers, of Blackburn, said all properties had suffered fire damage to the roof and first floor as well as smoke and water damage throughout.

He said: "When we arrived at the scene, the street was filled with thick, black smoke - you could hardly see anything.

"We'd had reports of people trapped in some of the buildings and a thorough search was carried out in all nine properties, but fortunately everyone was accounted for.

"Officers were also faced with the danger of a possible roof collapse."

The service's turntable ladder was used and an ambulance crew from Blackburn was on stand-by.

Police Inspector Stephen Lee, of Blackburn, said there had been several other fires in the area in the last few weeks and the New Wellington Street blaze was being treated as "dubious".

He said: "At this stage we're not linking them but we are carrying out a full investigation and the matter is being handled by CID."

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