FIREFIGHTERS were called to tackle a fire which started in a disused mill in Bolton town centre.

Crews were called to the mill in River Street just after 7pm after guests staying in the nearby Travel Lodge reported seeing smoke coming from the building.

Teams from Bolton Central and Bolton North stations arrived on the scene to find a blaze had started in the basement of the building with the wooden stairs leading to the basement engulfed by flames.

They used ladders to gain alternative access to the basement and were able to put the fire out with hoses.

Police were also on the scene and informed the firefighters that they had received reports of squatters staying illegally in the building.

Investigations by police as to how the fire started are continuing.