AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into a suspected arson attack on three industrial containers.

Firefighters were called to the blaze off Gaskell Street, Halliwell, at around 6.45pm last night.

A fire had been started underneath one of the containers at ground level and had spread up the side to the two containers stacked above it.

One of the containers, which was being used as an office and contained computer equipment, was extensively damaged.

Tony McKenna, watch manager at Bolton Central fire station, said the fire is being treated as deliberate and the investigation is taking place.

He said the investigation has now been passed to the police who are looking into the matter.

It appeared timber had been set alight underneath the ground level container to start the blaze.

The other two containers were also damaged, one of which contained a mechanical digger and other tools.

Firefighters had to get Electricity North West out to the scene to confirm electricity was isolated so they could tackle the fire.

The key holder for the containers also had to be called out and had to come from Oldham.

Fire crews from Bolton Central and Bolton North both attended and were on the scene until around 9.30pm.