THE booming trade in scrap metal is causing a headache for firefighters.

Crooks are starting late night fires to burn plastic insulation off copper wiring so it can be weighed in for cash.

Firefighters estimate they are being called to at least on report of a fire every night in Bolton where burning insulation has caused a huge cloud of smoke.

In the latest incident, fire crews were called to the junction of Nelson Street and Weston Street in Great Lever at 2.30am yesterday (Wednesday).

They found a man burning wiring.

Police in Bolton have launched an operation targeting thieves who are stealing copper and lead from commercial buildings and houses.

Crew commander Aidy Taylor from Bolton Central fire station said: "This is a problem which has grown along the rising value of scrap metal.

"The fires are often small but cause a huge amount of smoke, which is why they are started late at night."