FAST-THINKING neighbours rushed to the rescue when plastic garden furniture was pushed against a Halliwell home and set alight.

Firefighters were called to Kirkhope Walk at 2.59am on Sunday (November 23) after it is believed a plastic table and chairs were deliberately set on fire against the front of the house.

A couple who were in the Bolton at Home terraced house were uninjured after Frank Hodkinson, of Kingholm Gardens, threw buckets of water on the flames.

Mr Hodkinson, aged 49, rushed to help after his 16-year-old son Tommy Naylor spotted the fire shortly before 3am.

He said: “I just did what I could – I did not want to see people getting hurt or a house going up in flames.

“At first no one in the house answered my banging on the door but I woke up the neighbours, who I knew had a young family.

“It is very worrying for this to have happened on the estate and must be especially frightening for the people who live next door.”

Kyle Kinsella, who lives next door to where the blaze broke out, was asleep with his partner and three children aged three, 11 and 12 when he was woken up by Mr Hodkinson.

Mr Kinsella, aged 27, said: “The fire has done some damage to my shed but when I saw it I was worried it would spread across to my house.

“We were just so lucky that the man across the road saw it and warned us, because we were all asleep. I am worried for the safety of my family now.”

Greater Manchester Police were unable to confirm whether the incident is being investigated as arson, but The Bolton News understands the occupant of the house is known to police.

It is believed he doused the flames with one bucket of water, which did not put it out, before going back inside until the fire brigade arrived.

Bolton Central Watch Manager Ian Read said: “If the residents of this house had not been aware of the fire it could have ended a lot more seriously.

“It looks like someone was trying to torch the house. The matter has been left with the police for them to investigate further.”

Community Support Officers will be carrying out door to door enquiries on the estate.