A PARKED car became engulfed in flames after suffering a suspected electrical fault.

Firefighters were called to Crescent Avenue, in Over Hulton, at about 8pm last night when a passer-by noticed a fire had begun beneath the bonnet of the black Audi.

The owner, believed to be a man in his 40s, had parked the vehicle on the street outside his house about one hour beforehand.

Residents who had parked their cars nearby were able to move them to safety before the blaze took hold.

Fire service watch manager Lewis Cross said: "It had got going quite well by the time we got there, but it hadn't spread, neighbours had managed to move their cars in time.

"The owner was fine but the car was completely damaged, the engine was burnt out, it should be a write-off."

One fire engine attended the incident. The crew was at the scene for about 45 minutes.