BULLDOZERS have moved in at a fire hit industrial building in Blackburn.

The partial demolition of the large mill building, in Birley Street, began just over two weeks after a huge inferno ripped through it.

Workers were spotted at the site, which the council had previously confirmed would be partly knocked down in a bid to make it safe.

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The gable walls will be reduced in height to make them safe, Blackburn with Darwen Council said.

An update in the major investigation launched after the fire, at a tire recycling business in the former Manner Sutton Street boiler works and foundry, was expected later this week.

A spokesman said: "We are not demolishing the whole building, it's being done by building control to pull down the walls to a suitable height that is deemed safe.

"It's up to the owner to decide what he does after that. The road is still closed but once building control is happy it will be reopened.

"We expect the work to be completed quickly but building control will only give then nod when they are satisfied the building is safe."

After the fire, which could be seen for miles and was tackled by a team of 40 firefighters, the council warned residents against touching any asbestos-containing debris scattered in the area.

Residents had been told to keep their windows closed on the night of the fire, Monday, November 3, although dozens of people gathered to watch the dramatic scenes unfold as soot and ash fell around them.

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The Environment Agency also launched an investigation into 'alleged illegal waste activity' at the building in the days following the fire.

Last year, a different company was found to be illegally storing tyres in the building, but the current business was found to be working 'mainly legitimately'.

Spokeswoman Sarah Mellodew said: "We have been working with the company to resolve some issues related to waste tyres to ensure they comply with current regulations."