Fire at old paper mill 'started deliberately'

A fire at a former paper mill is thought to have been started deliberately, the fire service says.

The fire broke out at the Wansborough Paper Mill in Brendon Road in Watchet, Somerset, at about 18:45 BST on Tuesday, and 90% of the roof had collapsed by 20:00.

Two crews were deployed from stations at Williton and Minehead, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said, followed by two further fire engines and an aerial ladder platform.

The fire was put out by 23:00, the service said, and is thought to have been started deliberately. Police were called to the scene at about 20:30.

Those living near the 30m (98ft) high building were advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to thick smoke in the area.

The building has stood empty since the manufacturing operations stopped in 2015, and is believed to be the largest brownfield site in west Somerset.

Plans to develop the land into homes and business units were abandoned during the Covid pandemic, and the future of the site is uncertain.

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