A 31-year-old man has been arrested after a suspected arson attack which destroyed a flat in St Helens Road.

Fire Crews were called to a flat in St Helens Road, above the Colleys Estates shop at about 8pm.

A fire had started behind the row of shops in the doorway of one of the flats and had grown into a large blaze.

The firefighters battled the flames through the night and managed to stop it from spreading to neighbouring properties.

Crews used eight breathing kits, four hose reels, ladders and a ventilation fan to bring the fire under control.

The entire property has been destroyed by the fire and crews remain on the scene this morning along with a fire investigation team.

Police are also on site assisting with the investigation and a cordon has been put in place across the alleyway behind the scene of the fire.

The force has now confirmed that a 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and has been taken into custody for questioning.

Neighbouring properties were all safely evacuated during the blaze and no one was injured.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue said: "We were called at 7.57pm to a flat fire on St Helens Road, Bolton.

"Firefighters from Bolton and Farnworth battled intense heat and smoke as the fire developed across two floors.

​"Crew were able to stop the fire spreading to neighbouring properties using eight breathing kits, four hose reels, ladders and a ventilation fan.

"All people were accounted for. The cause is now being investigated and crew remain at the scene."

Greater Manchester Police said anyone with information about the incident should call 101 and quote the incident number 2214 for September 22.

GMFRS Group manager Ben Levy has tweeted a picture of the stairwell of the property where it is believed the blaze started and praised the work of the crews involved.