A large fire broke out inside an empty commercial building in Bolton late last night, Tuesday.

Five engines from Bolton and Bury were called to the Era Street premises at 11.50pm to a fire measuring 25 x 10m in space.

Firefighters used breathing apparatus, two hose reels, ladders, lighting and a drone to extinguish the flames, and were in attendance for more than three hours.

Watch manager Glyn McGann from Bolton North Fire service said: “With it being half term, we would like to ask parents to make sure they know where their children are when they go out.

“It appears as though someone has gotten in through security boarding and then numerous fires inside the building were set.

“Police are now looking into who could have done it and the building will be re-boarded and closed up.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service added: “At around 11.50pm on Tuesday fire crews were called to reports of a fire at an unoccupied commercial building on Era Street, Bolton.

“Five fire engines from across Bolton and Bury quickly attended the scene where a fire, twenty-five metres by ten metres, had started on the ground floor.

“Firefighters used breathing apparatus, two hose reels, ladders, lighting and a drone to extinguish the fire.

"Crews were in attendance for approximately three and a quarter hours.”