POLICE are probing a massive fire which swept through Burnden Park last night, destroying the main stand. Residents say youths had been seen running away from the scene. The fierce blaze marked a sad end to the famous 102-year-old stadium which until last year was home to Bolton Wanderers Football Club.

About 60 firefighters tackled the blaze which destroyed the Manchester Road stand, leaving what used to be "home" to thousands of Bolton Wanderers supporters nothing more than a burned-out empty shell.

The stadium was set to be demolished soon after repeated invasions by gipsies.

Neighbours raised the alarm at about 8pm, when they saw smoke billowing out from the ground, but when fire crews arrived the stand, and rooms below, were already well alight.

Detectives have confirmed today that they are investigating the cause of the fire - thought to have started in the empty terraces.

When firemen first arrived at the scene they were told by local youths that children had been playing in the stadium.

At its height, eight fire crews, two aerial monitors and additional special appliances battled against the blaze which threatened to spread to adjoining stands.

Roads surrounding the stadium were cut off to traffic and diversions were put in place.

This morning fire crews were still at the scene of the stadium, and were likely to remain there throughout the day.

A building inspector was due this morning to check whether what was left of the stadium was safe to remain standing.

A fire spokesman told the BEN: "When we got there the timber stand and building underneath were well alight.

"We gained entry into the building through the front and managed to get on to the football pitch.

"An aerial appliance was put on the corner where the stand meets the Great Lever End to prevent the fire from spreading.

"I expect crews to remain on the scene for the next day or so.

"It is looking as though it did start on the terraces, but how it started is under investigation.

"There was no sign of anyone there when we arrived."

At the height of the fire police closed Manchester Road at the junctions with Orlando Bridge and Raikes Lane to traffic and diversions were put in place. The North-bound exit from the A666 leading to Raikes Lane was also closed. Today Bolton police chiefs confirmed that an investigation had been launched into the huge Burnden blaze.

Chief Inspector Charlie Bradshaw said that nearby residents claimed to have seen three youths running from the scene shortly before the stand went up in flames.

He added: "Detectives are investigating the cause of the fire at the moment but there is nothing to suggest it was deliberately started.

"There is a suggestion that three youths were seen running away from the ground before the fire.

"Officers from CID spoke to a senior fire brigade officer last night at the scene and at that time there was no evidence available of the fire being a crime. The investigation will continue this morning."

Burnden ward councillor Mrs Prentice Howarth said: "It is very, very sad that it has ended like this.

"We all have a soft spot for Burnden Park and many happy memories there.

"The club has said that it will demolish Burnden Park, even though the planning permission for the supermarket has not come through.

"Now it is more urgent than ever for the sake of everyone who lives in the Burnden area."

As crews battled at Burnden Park, stand-by fire engines raced to Bolton Wanderers' current home, The Reebok Stadium, after the control room received a "garbled" message that a blaze had started at the Horwich ground.

It was eventually discovered to be nothing more than a fire alarm in a room at a nearby hotel.

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