THIRTY firefighters tackled a blaze which tore through an old pot bank in Stoke-on-Trent early today.

The flames, which could be seen from miles around, destroyed much of the first-floor of Aynsley’s china works in Sutherland Road, Longton.

Six appliances from Hanley, Longton and Burslem spent several hours at the scene after police raised the alarm at 4.15am.

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Crews wore breathing apparatus to search the premises but found them unoccupied.

The fire was in an area measuring 50 by 20 metres and two aerial platforms were used to help bring the flames under control by 7.30am.

At one point it was feared two sealed drums containing chemicals could explode in the heat but they were safely moved away from the building.

An investigation has been launched into the cause and structural engineers from Stoke-on-Trent City Council were later due to visit the scene to look at whether part of the building would have to be demolished.

A fire brigade spokesman said: “Two Longton crews were the first to arrive but the fire was so severe that they immediately called for back-up. At one point 30 personnel were involved in tackling the fire.

“The cause will not be known until the investigation is under way, but no-one was hurt.”