POLICE are investigating a suspected arson attack at the former Great Lever Labour Club.

Fire fighters were called to the club in Lever Edge Lane shortly after 2am today to find the single storey building alight.

They had to use breathing apparatus to get at the seats of fire.

The bar area was completely destroyed and fire investigators believe that could have been one of the places where the fire was started.

The building closed as a Labour club about a year ago but had re-opened as a private enterprise.

The building was heavily smoke logged and fire crews had to use a huge fan to clear the building before investigations could start.

It is believed the club is currently lying empty.

Sub Officer Vinnie Redford, from Bolton Fire Station, said the building was badly affected.

"We are treating the fire as suspicious because there were various starting points in the building," said Mr Redford.

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