AN BUSINESSMAN says an inferno which ripped through part of a mill was “heartbreaking” and has left his company in tatters.

The fire destroyed a two-storey section of Aireworth Mills, in Keighley, occupied by Stockbridge Tyres.

Thick, black smoke could be seen for miles as the blaze took hold early on Saturday evening.

Company partner Bahar Ali is still trying to come to terms with the devastation caused.

“The whole of the first floor has gone and there’s a lot of damage at ground level,” he said.

“It’s mainly stock that has been lost but also some of the machinery has been affected.

“You’re talking about tens of thousands of pounds damage.

“We’re trying to sort out things with the insurance company at the moment and attempting to salvage what we can.

“We are determined to get back up and running, but at the moment I just don’t know when that might be.

“It’s heartbreaking.”

The company, which employs four people, has been at the premises since 2012.

Mr Ali, 32, who lives in Keighley, was alerted to the fire at about 6.30pm on Saturday by a phone call from a neighbouring business at the Aireworth Road site.

“I rushed down there and it was a terrible sight,” he said.

“To see your business and livelihood go up in flames is beyond words.”

Around 70 firefighters from across West Yorkshire tackled the blaze at its height.

Once initial crews arrived the blaze was brought under control within about half an hour, but some firefighters remained at the scene all night damping down.

Graham Ambler, the brigade’s group manager, paid tribute to the first crews on the scene.

He said their prompt actions helped prevent the fire spreading to adjoining businesses.

Khadim Hussain, an independent district councillor representing Keighley Central, said: “Well done our brave firefighters!

“I salute your commitment and courage.”

And Keighley town councillor Ian Dermondy said: “Such a shame to see another of our old mills on fire.

“A massive thank-you to our firefighters, without whose actions this could have been much worse.”

Other businesses at the site have also voiced their appreciation.

Bridgehouse Brewery said: “Thankfully we are OK – all down to the quick actions of the fire crews on scene.”

Aireworth Mills, now home to a number of firms, was established in 1787 as a water-powered cotton mill.