A VAN fire in Chadderton caused windows on a nearby mill to melt and shatter.

A white Mercedes Vito was completely destroyed by the blaze in Daisy Street, off Featherstall Road North.

The vehicle had been parked beside Anchor Mill for between one and two hours when the fire started. An investigation is under way to determine the cause.

Fire crews from Chadderton, Hollins and Oldham Central turned out to the incident at 2.45am this morning (March 9).

Chadderton watch manager Dave Roach said: "The van was parked near the mill. The two ground-floor windows of the mill had broken which allowed smoke into the mill.

"Smoke filled the staircase and went up to the third and fourth floors.

"It was a full vehicle fire - the van was completely burnt out."

Firefighters remained at the scene for just over one hour. Crews used hose reels and breathing apparatus to tackle the fire and alerted the police. The emergency services were unable to make contact with the mill owner.

The mill - a Grade II listed former cotton mill is home to several businesses. The two floors are undergoing refurbishment.

Hollins watch manager Andrew Turner said: "The fire melted windows on the mill which then shattered.

"It smoke-logged the floors inside the building.

"Two sets of UPVC windows were blown out.

"The van was completely destroyed.

"We searched the mill, ventilated the site, and ensured there were no businesses affected."

There were no people inside the building at the time of the incident.