A FIRE in the town centre burned through a derelict mill with asbestos in it last night. 

Just after 9pm, police and fire teams responded to reports of a blaze in Spa Mill on Spa Road, next to Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

The road was cordoned off as police established a scene. A drone was also deployed to search the area, looking for anyone who may have been involved.

The incident was confirmed to be caused by a rubbish fire in the basement of the building, with police suspecting that someone had been trying to keep warm and the fire had become out of control.

Police said that the fire could have been much worse, after it was extinguished by the fire service and the road reopened at approximately 9.30pm.

Police confirmed that there was asbestos in the building, which was also the site of a fire on Christmas Day.

The Bolton News: