FORENSIC evidence has been taken away to be examined after a suspicious fire at a Bolton nightspot.

A blaze broke out at the Temple and Club Mezzo at the weekend causing damage estimated at more than £100,000.

Hundreds of clubgoers were evacuated on Saturday as more than 70 firefighters battled to stop the fire spreading to nearby premises.

The roof of the nightspots, owned by businessmen John Musso and his brother Pino, were badly damaged.

A mill being converted into a nightclub by Pino was destroyed in a fire in Burnley Town Centre the day before. Detectives are still investigating whether there is a link between the two.

It is believed a piece of carpet has been removed for further examination.

Det Chief Insp Paul Buchanan, who is leading the inquiry said: "The evidence will be checked to see if any accelerant was used in the fire.

"No link has been established between the two nightclub fires but we are keeping an open mind."

The clubs, which opened in 1992, are expected to remain closed for several months.

Anyone with information about the two fires are asked to call Bolton CID on 0161 856 5640.