AN arson attack on an allotment building caused smoke to affect transport links in Farnworth.

The fire badly damaged a caravan and smoke could be seen from more than half a mile away, eyewitnesses say.

The fire was near to All Saints C of E Primary School.

Two fire engines and police were called to the fire, which was started deliberately in the wooden structure on land near Devon Street.

Smoke blew on to nearby train tracks and affected traffic on the A666 St Peter's Way.

Craig Marsh, aged 19, made the 999 call.

He said: “It was pretty serious, you could see it from a long way away.

“I heard a loud bang so I think a gas canister exploded.

“I thought someone might have been in there so I was worried.

“It is near to the school as well so it could have been really bad.”

Fire fighters managed to put out the fire at around midday on Saturday, having been called out shortly before 10am.

Nobody was injured in the incident.

Anybody with any information should call police on non-emergency number 101.