AN arsonist set fire to waste outside a derelict pub before targeting a storage container.

Firefighters from Bolton Central were sent to Churchill’s pub in Manchester Road at 4.30am before getting reports of another incident further down the road at Halfords where tyres and other car parts in a storage container, owned by the company, were set alight.

Watch manager Ian Reid said: “The police are investigating both incidents.”

The Bolton News understands police are linking the attacks.