A FIRE in a derelict factory in Trowbridge town centre could have been started by squatters.

The bottom end of Castle Street was closed on Thursday when a fire broke out at the disused Peter Black cosmetics factory at 4.30pm.

Mike Jenkins, watch manager at Trowbridge fire station, said: "We have had problems with squatters in there in the past. The cause of the fire is still being investigated." Fire crews from Trowbridge and Westbury had put the blaze out within 20 minutes but crews remained at the scene until about 6.30pm to ventilate the building and make sure no-one was inside.

Insp Dave Cullop, of Trowbridge police, said efforts were being made to discover who is responsible for the site in order to ask them to ensure its safety. Axxis, owner of Peter Black's, sold the land and buildings after the firm moved production to the White Horse Business Park in North Bradley.

Insp Cullop said: "It is an attraction for homeless people but unless they are doing anything illegal it is not our intention to harass them. I don't intend to send staff in there unless it is a matter of danger to life or limb."