THE town centre at Goldthorpe was cordoned off by police after fire tore through the warehouse of an industrial clothing factory on Saturday evening.

The cause is under investigation but is thought to be ”suspicious”.

Flames could be seen two miles away as explosions, believed to be from a compressor, ripped through the High Street building of Portwest clothing.

Police warned residents to return to their homes and close all windows due to the risk of chemical vapours from the industrial garments stored there.

However, a light breeze took the smoke high into the sky, away from residential properties which back on to the premises in the Frederick Street area. They were protected by the old railway line running between them and the factory.

“The cause is still under investigation and although it’s suspicious, I cannot comment until we have the results of the police, fire service and forensic investigation,” said general manager Michael Kirby.

Bystanders reported that security alarms had been set off on several occasions recently.

Five fire crews from Brampton, Mexborough and Barnsley and support units fought the blaze. Within a short time of the alarm being raised at 5.20pm the roof had collapsed and firefighters pumped water through the open roof from an aerial platform.