A woman and a baby escaped unhurt after a wheelie bin was set alight next to their home in Bolton.

Police were called to Woodham Walk in Deane by the fire service at 2.35am today.

Officers found that a wheelie bin was on fire next to the gable end of the house.

The fire service was called and extinguished the fire before it was able to cause any significant damage to the property.

A 30-year-old woman and her two-year-old child who were inside the address at the time of the fire were unharmed during the incident.

A 32-year-old man was arrested near to the scene on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in police custody for questioning.

Detective Constable Jon Marsh from Bolton CID said: “Thankfully, this woman was able to raise the alarm before this fire was able to spread any further.

“We are currently speaking to a man in connection with this incident, but would encourage anyone who witnessed this incident, or who saw anyone hanging around and acting suspiciously in the early hours, to call us and tell us what you saw. Anything you say may be able to help us with our enquiries.

“I do not need to remind people that arson is an extremely serious and reckless crime, and we will respond to any incidents accordingly.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5740 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.