POLICE are trying to contact the owner of a Farnworth garage destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

The blaze at Towbars North, behind Dorothy Perkins in Market Street, was reported shortly before 3.30am today.

Eleven firefighters fought the blaze, which took more than two hours to bring under control. The blaze swept through the roof of the garage and destroyed the contents, including a car.

The owner is so far unaware that the building has been ruined because he or she has not registered their contact details with the police.

Fire crews from Farnworth and Bolton initially feared that a number of small explosions caused by several gas cylinders inside the garage would lead to a larger explosion.

But they managed to get the blaze under control and no damage was caused to any surrounding houses or shops.

Police are treating the fire as arson, but sub officer Rob Wright said they had not yet been able to contact the owners of the business. "This was a serious fire which has unfortunately destroyed the building. It will be a terrible shock when the owners return to work after the holiday," he said.

"It is unfortunate that they have not given their contact details so that we could let them know what had happened."

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to ring Bolton Police on 0161 872 5050.