A FIRE which ripped through the roof of a Rossendale mill may have been started deliberately.

Eight fire appliances from towns around the area were needed to fight the blaze and stop it from spreading to other units at Loveclough Business Park.

The cause is unknown but is being treated as suspicious.

Police and fire officers are investigating and anyone with information is asked to contact CID at Rawtenstall police station, telephone 01706-215242.

Detective Sergeant Jonathan Bayly said: "We are unsure whether it was started on purpose or accidentally and would like any witnesses to come forward.''

A man seen driving away just before the fire started late on Saturday afternoon has been traced and eliminated from the investigation. The single-storey stone building was used by Hurstwood Developments Ltd for storage.

The fire service received several calls to say flames were coming out of the building.

Assistant Divisional Officer Steve Grady of Bacup said: "Two machines were sent out from Rawtenstall and then we immediately asked for it to be made up to eight.

"When we got there, one end was well alight with flames coming through the north light roof and from windows at the back.''

The building was gutted, although firemen prevented the blaze from spreading to adjoining works.

Mr Grady added: "There is no obvious reason for the fire to have occurred and, at the moment, it looks as though it is a suspicious incident.''

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