WOULD-BE thieves sparked a car fire after trying to jump start the vehicle.

Firefighters were called to a locked Suzuki compound in Brookfield Street in Tonge Fold at 1.10am this morning after residents spotted the brand new Ford Fiesta was ablaze.

Thieves who had tried to jump start the car had abandoned it midway through the process, causing the electrics to short circuit and catch fire.

Bolton Central firefighters entered the locked compound and put out the blaze. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have been informed and are investigating the incident.