A COMMUNITY campaigner fears someone will be killed at a Port factory building if the derelict site is not properly secured.

David McKechnie raised the alarm after a blaze in the roof of the former Playtex factory last week.

The 49-year-old spotted boys on the roof shortly before the fire last Tuesday and called emergency services.

David, who often visits his brother in Devol, said: “The community wardens were on patrol in the area 20 minutes before but didn’t see the boys on the roof at that time.

“Minutes later the roof was filled with black smoke — it had been set on fire.

“It was like tyres burning — it was unbelievable.

“It is being used regularly by young ones who are going in at weekends drinking.” Only two weeks ago, David went to the aid of an injured teenager at the building.

He said: “Two boys came out of it, both about 15, and one of them had slashed his leg open.

“I’m a first aider and put a bandage on it.

“I am worried a wean is going to get killed in there.” The Telegraph visited the site and saw the front door of the factory was lying wide open.

David, who is treasurer of Port Glasgow East Community Council, says the disused factory must be locked up or demolished.

He said: “It’s an eyesore. It should be secured or pulled down.

“There’s no use for it anymore and it’s definitely a hazard.

“Young kids will be following older ones inside and the older ones might be able to run back out if there’s a fire, but the younger ones might not get out in time.” Port councillor David Wilson is supporting calls to sort the problem.

He told the Telegraph: “It is incumbent on the owners to make the building secure, which it is obviously not.

“It is attracting undersirable elements and we cannot have that, especially so close to the cycle track, which so many people use for relaxation.” Police bosses say in the past four years they have received 25 complaints ranging from the security of the building to vandalism and youths being seen in the area.

Inspector Garry Kirkwood said: “Police are liaising with the owner of the building in connection with ongoing issues in relation to the security of the building.” He warned members of the public to steer clear of the former factory and any derelict buildings for their own safety.

Inspector Kirkwood is also appealing to anyone with information about the fire to call Police Scotland on 101.