AN investigation has been launched into a major fire which took place in the Barrow town centre.

Seven fire crews were called to a building in Barrow’s Duke Street on Thursday, spending two hours tackling the blaze which had spread through the unused building.

Smoke was seen coming from the rear of the building, which houses the disused Antalya takeaway at the front.

People in the neighbouring buildings and businesses were told to evacuate in case smoke spread, station manager Roger Exley said.

The fire boss, who described the incident as ‘high risk’, said a blaze had started in the ground floor and burnt upwards to the first floor.

Several pieces of furniture were said to have been on fire in the building.

A joint investigation between the fire service and the police is due to examine how the fire started.

Cumbria Police were alerted to the incident at 2.15pm on Thursday following reports of smoke coming from the building.

The force is urging any members of the public with information to contact police on 101.

Mr Exley is also urging anyone with information to get in touch with the the police.

He said: “From my point of view we would urge anyone to come forward with information.

“Either call Cumbria Police or Crimestoppers.

“This fire had the potential to spread to buildings which would have impacted on their businesses.

“Also a bigger fire would have made the building unsafe and an eyesore for the town centre.

“This could in turn attract more antisocial behaviour to the area.”

Bill McEwan, Barrow Borough Councillor, described the incident as ‘disgraceful’ if it was started intentionally.

He said: “If this was caused by antisocial behaviour, it is disgraceful.

“It’s scandalous if a person broke into the property and caused this sort of destruction.

“It could’ve potentially caused the deaths of people next door.

“I know the building was empty but you’ve got to remain wary."

Cllr McEwan is urging any witnesses to the incident to contact the police.

He said: “If anyone in the public knows what happened please get in touch with the police.”

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact police on 101 quoting incident number 106 of May 6.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.