POLICE are investigating after two men were taken to hospital with severe burns early today following a car fire in Bolton.

It is believed the men, aged 18 and 22, stopped a passing ambulance in Great Lever some time after fire crews attended the blaze in nearby Lynwood Avenue.

The fire is being treated as suspicious.

The men, both from the Great Lever area, were discovered with 40 per cent burns to their hands, upper body and face.

Police are investigating the cause of the blaze but it is not yet known how the men, who have not been named, received their injuries.

Both men were taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital's casualty unit at about 2.40am today and were transferred to Wythenshawe Hospital's burns unit at 6am.

Fire crews from Farnworth Fire Station were called to the semi-detached property at 2.09am.

A Rover Metro, covered in sheets due to maintenance work, was alight on the drive-way outside the house as crews arrived. A neighbour raised the alarm.

Firemen dealt with the blaze but the car was destroyed. It belonged to the homeowner's grandson.

The fire also damaged a fence panel and fence post next to the car.

Today the homeowner refused to comment on the incident.

The fire service today confirmed the cause of the blaze was being treated as suspicious.

Police are investigating. Anyone with information should call police on 0161 872 5050.