ARSONISTS smashed the windows of a flat and threw a cloth, which was on fire, inside.

Firefighters were called to the unoccupied flat in Rushwell Drive, Halliwell, at 2.10am on Monday.

The living room was badly damaged by the fire, and the rest of the flat was heavily smoke logged. Two residents who live above the flat were alerted to the blaze by fire alarms and were able to escape unhurt.

Watch Commander Ted Andrews said: “This is the second time in two weeks we have been called to this block of flats because of nuisance fires.

"On both occasions, it was a complete waste of fire service resources when someone could be in dire need of our help.”