A WHEELIE bin arsonist struck in Bolton town centre last night in an incident being linked to a similar one hours earlier.

Bolton firefighters believe a spate of arsons are connected after they were called to the Britania Building, Thomas Holden Street, at 10pm.

A bin had been set alight after being pushed against the door of the building.

Firefighters dealt with a similar blaze at Pike Nook Bakery, High Street, Bolton at 6am yesterday morning.

A spokesman for Bolton Central fire station said: "There have been a number of incidents recently and it is becoming an on-going problem.

"The danger is these fires could easily take hold and spread throughout the building."