FIRE chiefs have launched an investigation after a blaze at a cement works.

Officers from Oswaldtwistle and Accrington were called to the Tucan Cement Works, in Haslingden Old Road, Oswaldtwistle, about 9pm yesterday.

They arrived at the scene to find two nine-tonne cement wagons well alight and thick black smoke had covered the town centre.

Firecrews spent about an hour controlling the blaze and used two jets, two hose reels and two sets of breathing apparatus.

Two of the wagons were destroyed and a third was slightly smoke damaged.

Officers said it is not yet clear how the fire started but preliminary investigations have shown the padlock to the front double gates at the premises had been cut.

Station officer Pete Ashworth said: "We could not find the seat of fire and could not find a cause but we think it is suspicious as there was no sign of accidental ignition and the locks had been cut.

"We had to use breathing apparatus because of the thick black smoke which was caused because the cabs were made of fibre glass which is very flammable.

"I will be filing a full investigation report and the police are aware of the incident."