FIREFIGHTERS have left the scene of a blaze which ripped through a derelict mill.

Crews had been working at the disused mill in Parrot Street since Friday, when a huge fire broke out, forcing people living nearby to evacuate their homes.

The building now faces demolition. Police say the cause of the fire is not believed to have been suspicious.

They remained at the scene throughout the weekend dampening down and were able to "close" the incident today.

Police have confirmed that the blaze is not being treated as suspicious — although the cause of the blaze currently remains a mystery.

The fire broke out in the four-storey building at 5am on Friday. At the height of the blaze 60 firefighters were on the scene will 11 fire engines and three aerial appliances.

Their fast action stopped the blaze from spreading to a nearby business.

People living in seven properties were asked to leave the areas. Some were taken to the nearby McDonald's restaurant while others went to stay with relatives nearby, until the building was declared safe enough for them to return to their homes at about 10am. The street remained cordoned off and the council buildings inspector remained on the scene throughout the day. Although the operation was scaled down, firefighters remained on the scene throughout the weekend.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: "We have already spoken to the owners in relation to the building and they will be securing the building initially.

"We will be writing to them requiring that they either demolish the building or make the necessary repairs.

"Prior to demolition the owners will be required to submit a notice to the council under Section 80 of the Building Act and neighbours will duly be notified."

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "It is not being treated as suspicious."