POLICE and fire investigators are trying to identify the cause of a blaze at a former mattress factory – which was tackled by more than 50 firefighters.

The fire started at the former Elson and Robbins building in Bennett Street, Long Eaton, at 1.40am yesterday.

It took firefighters nearly three hours to extinguish the flames, with the help of aerial ladders.

Two people had to be decontaminated at the scene because asbestos sheets were found in the roof of the building.

Firefighters and police were investigating the cause yesterday but the results are not yet known.

Fire service group manager Pete Aykroyd said the building was earmarked for demolition but that the structure had remained intact.

He said: "The damage could have been a lot worse.

"We managed to get a lot of pumps on the fire and bring it under control fairly early on."

The demolition is being carried out by Total Reclaims Demolition and is due for completion within two months.

Supervisor Tony Scott said the fire would not affect his firm's work.

He said: "It has burned away some of the roof and a bit of the floor but we've had an expert look at the site and it's still going to be safe for us to work."

Erewash Borough Council's Labour group leader, Howard Griffiths, said there had been recent trouble with scrap metal thieves on the site.

He said: "I know police have been down there because of people trespassing, either through curiosity or to pick things up."

Mr Griffiths said it had not yet been decided what would happen to the land on which the factory stands after it has been demolished.

He said: "The factory has been partially used recently but for the most part has been shut down for more than a year.

"It used to make all the parts for mattresses, complementing the local furniture industry.

"I'm not aware of any planning applications for the site, so it's not clear if it would be homes or industrial units."

No-one was hurt in the blaze.

Firefighters were on the scene until 1pm damping down and making the building safe.

Derbyshire police said it was not known when the investigation would be completed.