A WARNING has been issued to keep people out of derelict buildings in Howley after a large fire.

Fire crews were called to the derelict Caldwell premises on Howley Lane on Thursday night following reports of a blaze.

And due to the size of the site and the amount of smoke, firefighters say it was difficult to get to the exact point of the fire.

John Noden, chief fire officer at Warrington station, said: "It is important for safety reasons that people keep out of the site and do not light any fires.

"Having walked through the building it is clear that the potential for injury to fire crews and any other person on the site is very high as floors are missing, openings at first floor level are unguarded and numerous changes of level exist throughout."

The building has no security and has been used as a dumping ground for debris. And, although efforts have been made to keep vehicles out, access to the site is easy for pedestrians.

Borough council officials have confirmed that the site will be demolished within the next few weeks, ready for it to be redeveloped by Westbury Homes.

Mr Noden said it was likely that the premises have been used by squatters and that young people are regular visitors to the site.

He added that there have been numerous fires around the site, certainly considerably more than has been reported to the Fire Service.