Police are investigating a deliberate fire at the former Hilden Mill

There have been several fires at the derelict site in recent years, with police and the fire service blaming anti-social behaviour for many of the incidents.

According to the Fire and Rescue Service, two Appliances from Lisburn Fire Station, two Appliances from Cadogan Fire Station, one Appliance and one Aerial appliance from Springfield Fire Station, one High Volume Pump from Whitla Fire Station, one Appliance from Banbridge Fire Station, one Appliance from Newtownards Fire Station and one Aerial Appliance from Knock Fire Station attended the incident.

A spokesperson for the NIFRS said: “Firefighters were called to reports of a fire at a derelict two-storey building on Mill Street in Hilden.

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used an Aerial Appliance and two jets to extinguish the fire.

"Approximately 40 Firefighters were at the scene at the height of the incident, with support from the Fire and Emergency Support Service (FESS) Team. The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition.

"The incident was dealt with by 12.36am (Wednesday May 29).”

Speaking after the fire was brought under control, Sergeant Armour said: “Officers received and responded to a report of a fire at premises in the area shortly after 6.30pm.

“Thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries.

“Our enquiries into the incident, which we are treating as deliberate ignition, are ongoing, and we are appealing to anyone who may have any information which might assist us, to get in touch.

“The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 1409 of 28/05/24.”