POLICE are investigating whether a car fire in Breightmet is linked to a car bomb attack.

Emergency services were called to reports of the blaze involving a white Mini in Back Bury Road South at about 9pm on Tuesday.

The fire left the vehicle burnt out, as well as causing damage to the garden fence of a bungalow in nearby Lovat Road.

Residents living close to the street were alerted to the fire after hearing "massive bangs" at about 9pm on Tuesday.

Susan Kelly, who lives in Lovat Road, said: "We heard this enormous bang and then saw flames about eight feet in the air.

"The smoke went over the top of the trees. It was quite scary."

Following the incident, Back Bury Road South was taped off from the junction with Torridon Road throughout yesterday.

Behind the cordon, the Mini could be seen covered a blue tent. It was eventually recovered on Wednesday evening and the cordon was lifted.

Residents living nearby said they had never seen the vehicle before and did not know who it belonged to.

Police are now investigating whether the incident was linked to a targeted car bombing in Back Castle Street on the same evening.

A black BMW was blown up when its window was smashed and an explosive device thrown inside it.

Police said there was no suggestion the incident was terrorism related, however it is being treated as a targeted attack.

It is believed the incident may be linked to a shooting on Lever Street on July 12, in which a man was left seriously injured.