Lancashire fire crews battle blaze in Skelmersdale

Crews from Lancashire were joined by firefighters from Merseyside and Greater Manchester after a blaze broke out at a derelict office building in High Street at 7.30pm.

Eight engines were needed to tackle the raging fire, which spread quickly through the building and risked spreading to the probation office next door.

The fierce blaze was brought under control shortly after midnight, but firefighters remained at the scene overnight to monitor for flare-ups and dampen down.

Footage of the blaze shows huge flames engulfing the two-storey building, which has been derelict for a number of years.

No-one is reported to have been injured in the fire.

A joint investigation is now under way with the fire services and Lancashire Police suspecting that the cause might have been deliberate.

Speaking late last night, a fire service spokesman said: "We have eight fire engines from Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside at the scene.

"Lancashire Police have closed a number of roads in the area and the public are advised to stay away from the scene.

"If you can see or smell the smoke, please keep your windows and doors shut."

At 12.21am, the fire service added: "The fire in Skelmersdale has now been brought under control. Firefighters will remain at the scene for the rest of the night and a joint police and fire investigation is underway."

The site has been earmarked for a new Aldi, with a planning application submitted to West Lancashire Borough Council in 2019.