PRIMARY school kids were seen loitering late at night when firefighters were called to a malicious fire at a dangerous industrial spot. 

Three fire engines from Barrow and Ulverston were called to Salthouse Mills in Barrow at around 8.30pm on Sunday night after a couple out walking discovered a fire. When firefighters arrived, a second blaze was found and crews spent two hours tackling the fires. 

Station manager Roger Exley, who was tasked to the callout, said a number of "primary school-age children were at the scene".

Mr Exley said: "We've been getting a number of calls to malicious fires in the Salthouse Mills area, this is the third weekend in a row. 

"On Sunday, there was in excess of about 10 youngsters, boys and girls, some of which were primary school children who were out on their own. This was after 10pm."

One of the fires, which had both been started deliberately, contained a number of tractor tyres billowing thick, toxic smoke into the air. Firefighters also discovered two propane gas canisters which Mr Exley warned could have exploded at any time. 

"Thankfully they were empty but if they hadn't been, the risk to our firefighters is significant," he added.

"An explosion could easily have killed some of our crew. There's also a lot of asbestos down there, and aerosol cans from an old fire. The risk is huge."

Fire bosses are set to begin talks with police and representatives from Barrow Borough Council to look at the possibility of regular patrols in the area.