ARSONISTS have been blamed for a blaze which swept through a Great Lever mill.

The fierce fire swept through the Grecian Mill, Lever Street, late on Saturday.

Firefighters reported signs of forced entry into the derelict commercial property. There was a strong smell of petrol. Smoke filled the immediate area but the fire was not thought to have endangered nearby residents.

Fibre glass and drums of resin inside the building -- which was being used as a storage area -- quickly set alight and spread to the roof.

It was the second fire at the mill in a week. Police are investigating.