A DERELICT building which used to be Bolton's biggest nightclub was set alight in a suspected arson attack this afternoon.

The former Ikon nightclub in Bridge Street is thought to have been set on fire by a man in his late 40's at about 4.50pm.

The man, who it is thought was drunk at the time of the incident, is believed to have set a pile of rubbish on fire behind the building's front door.

The door and wall at the front of the building were damaged.

Firefighters attended the scene and police have been notified of the incident.

Last year, it was announced that Ikon nightclub was to be brought back as a 'world buffet restaurant'.

Bolton Central watch manager Ian Reed said: "We believe that a drunk male in his late 40's was walking through the town centre and has set a pile of rubbish on fire at the former Ikon nightclub.

"If members of the public have any information, we would urge them to be vigilant and get in touch with the police."

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

History of the former Ikon nightclub - the building that touched thousands of lives