A NEWLY opened B&M store has been hit by fire.

Crews were called to a blaze at the rear of the discount retailer's Breightmet store, which opened in Bury Road less than one month ago.

A large quantity of wooden pallets were ablaze in a compound at the back of the shop.

An investigation has been launched but it is believed the incident, which occurred in the early hours of this morning, was started deliberately.

Gareth Peters, watch manager at Bolton North Fire Station, said: "We were called to a fire at the back of B&M at about 1.45am.

"The call initially came to us as a building fire but on arrival we found a large pile of pallets and storage equipment were alight.

"The materials had been left in a secured, locked compound at the rear of the food warehouse."

Mr Peters has issued a warning following the incident, calling for parents and guardians to know the whereabouts of their children at all times of the night.

He said: "We are receiving a high number of calls to nuisance fires.

"This is occurring at a time when many young people are off school for the Easter break.

"We would ask parents to ensure they know where their children are during the holidays.

"Please be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to the police."

Crews used hose reels to douse the flames and put out the fire. They remained at the scene for about one hour.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called shortly before 2am today to Bury Road in Bolton.

"One crew from Bolton North attended the fire, which involved a quantity of pallets and cardboard at the rear of a food warehouse, and used one hose reel, one thermal imaging camera and one ceiling hook to extinguish the flames.

“Police have been informed as the fire is being treated as suspected deliberate ignition.”

B&M at Breightmet Retail Park is one of two new stores that have recently opened in Bolton, the second located at Burnden Retail Park.

Together, the stores have created 60 jobs for the town.

B&M declined to comment.