Hilden Mill: Fire at abandoned mill in Lisburn

Firefighters are battling a blaze at Hilden Mill in the outskirts of Lisburn.

It is the second fire at the site in recent months, with a section of its roof having been destroyed in May.

Six fire engines were at the scene on Tuesday night and firefighters were back at the site on Wednesday morning.

The public are being advised to avoid the area and nearby residents are being told to close their doors and windows.

Speaking after the damage last month, SDLP Lagan Valley assembly member Pat Catney said it was "a terrible loss of heritage".

Hilden Mill was formerly home to the Barbour Thread factory, which had occupied the site since 1823.

It has laid vacant since 2006.

In 2017 it was sold to an English development company.

A previous owner was granted planning approval for a redevelopment scheme that involved up to 600 homes but that permission has since lapsed.