Anger as youths start fire inside Albert Mill

Firefighters have expressed frustration with youths who set a pile of rubbish alight at Albert Mill, Whitworth.

Crews from Rochdale and Bacup were called to Albert Mill in Whitworth at 7.15pm on Tuesday (29 March) after reports that a group of youths had set fire to the rubbish inside of the building, causing damage to the immediate area.

Police officers raised the alarm with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service who subsequently sent crews out and extinguished the flames.

No one was hurt in the incident.

A spokesperson from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Fire engines went up from Bacup and Rochdale to a fire which was started inside the building. Thankfully there was not a substantial amount of damage, but we are working with the police to investigate the matter further.”

Bacup watch manager Chris Haworth said: “It was another nuisance rubbish fire tying up resources and crews in Bacup. While we were at that incident we got a call to a road collision back in Bacup which potentially could have delayed responses as we were down in Whitworth.”