A RUBBISH fire at a former mill was "boobytrapped" with a barbecue gas cylinder last night.

Firefighters were called to the Maple Mill site in Hathershaw at around 9.25pm where a blaze had broken out involving items such as lorry tyres and old chairs.

But crews discovered there was also a barbecue gas cylinder, which was believed to have been put there to cause an explosion with the fire.

Crews safely extinguished the fire though.

Hollins Fire Station watch commander Andrew Turner said: "They were hoping the gas cylinder would go 'bang' just for their own entertainment.

"Obviously it was a concern for ourselves.

"We are hoping this does not happen again and doesn't become a trend."

Mr Turner added that the area has been blighted by fly-tipping.

If you have any information about the fire contact police on 101.