A HAIR salon and wig shop was badly damaged in an apparent arson attack during a busy Saturday night in Bolton town centre.

The blaze started at around 7.30pm at Headmasters Afro and European Hair in Bradshawgate.

Police and fire investigators believe the shop had been targeted by arsonists.

The blaze appeared to have been started in two places — behind a till in the shop, and upstairs in a storeroom.

Firefighters had to break in to tackle the blaze, which destroyed most of the inside of the shop and its contents.

Watch commander Ady Taylor said: “It was very difficult to get inside and there were very difficult smoky conditions when we did get inside.”

The owner of the store rushed to the scene after a friend called her to say she had seen the salon on fire while driving past.

Watch commander Taylor added: “The owner was very distressed, as you obviously would be if your business had just gone up in flames.”

Ali Shaukat, the owner of neighbouring takeaway Kabul Kebab House, called the emergency services after he saw clouds of smoke pouring out of the shop.

He said: “There was smoke coming out the back door, and it smelled very bad.”

He had to evacuate the building and close his shop for about two hours until firefighters told him it was safe to go back in.

James Macgranthin, the landlord of nearby pub The Alma Inn, also saw the blaze.

He said: “I just popped outside for a cigarette and saw a lot of smoke coming out of the building. I was quite shocked.”

Firefighters stayed on the scene throughout the night to prevent anyone entering the building.