A fire broke out at Gypsy and Traveller Camp last night, which destroyed a lodge and damaged another.

Firefighters were called to the site, which has no residents living on it, just before midnight and remained on the scene into the early hours.

An investigation is now underway into the cause of the fire.

Three fire engines were mobilised to the scene, including two from Bolton Central.

Residents also reported police on the scene.

A spokesman for Bolton Central said the fire was well alight as crews arrived, but crews managed to tackle the fire within 15 minutes before the dampening down operation began, including digging up the area where the blaze started to ensure the fire was completley out.

Crews left the scene at around 3am.

Fire investigators are expected to attend the site today.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 00.10am today (Thursday 1 August), three fire engines from Bolton Central, Bolton North and Bury fire stations attended a fire involving two caravans on Park Hall Lane, Farnworth. 

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used to hose reels to extinguish the fire and worked with North West Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Police to make the area safe. Crews were in attendance for two hours."

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Shortly after midnight today (1 August), officers received reports of a fire at Crompton Lodge, Bolton.

"No one was reported as being injured and no arrests have been made at this time.

"Officers will be present in the area throughout the following days as they carry out their work

"Enquiries are ongoing."

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: “We are aware of the recent fire at Crompton Lodge.

“The on-site security guard immediately alerted the emergency services who responded quickly.

“The incident is now subject to an investigation by Greater Manchester Police, and we continue to support the families affected while the site closure order remains in place.”

The Travellers Camp on Hall Lane in Moses Gate is effectively shut for at least three months after Bolton Council secured a court order to evict those living there.

Only this week The Bolton News reported that police had arrested two men on suspicion of breaching the closure order.

The council, in consultation with Greater Manchester Police, applied for the closure order citing a series of incidents at the site involving drugs, serious violent crime, and firearms.

Since then a number of Travellers have been setting up camps on fields in Bolton, saying they have no where to go.

 Bolton Council says support for the Travellers includes access to reserved temporary accommodation and measures to ensure there is no disruption to school attendance.