FIRE investigators are continuing their investigations into a three-hour blaze started deliberately at a derelict mill in Blackburn.

Firefighters were called to the three-storey unoccupied building in Hopwood Street at 5.15am on Saturday.

The mill was formerly used by Cookson and Clegg to manufacture camouflage clothing for the armed forces, but the business recently moved to Shadsworth.

All three storeys of the building were smoke-logged and there was severe fire-damage to the ground floor.

Sub-officer Eric Trotter, of Blackburn Fire Station, said: "The building was empty other than some old furniture, but because there is open access we didn't know if anyone was sleeping rough inside the building.

"The fire was definitely started deliberately and within the next couple of days when the building is made safe will be going in there to conduct further investigations."