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 and the rest of the flat was heavily smoke logged in the attack.

Two residents who live above the flat were alerted to the blaze by fire alarms and escaped unhurt.