Huge blaze at iconic Guest and Chrimes works

Crews from Rotherham, Maltby, Elm Lane, Aston Park and Parkway stations attended the town centre site on Don Lane, next to New York Stadium.

They were called to the scene — along with an aerial appliance — at 3.47am, after flames were seen inside.

People living nearby were advised to keep their windows and doors closed, as smoke billowed across the town centre.

Staff revisited the factory up to 8.30pm, when the incident log was finally closed.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, a South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said.

Guest and Chrimes is a former foundry and brassworks, where the iconic red New York fire hydrants were once made.

Opened as Chrimes Brothers in 1843, it remained operational and had 500 employees until 1961.

The site has been earmarked for redevelopment, as part of the town centre masterplan.