A CAR was deliberately set on fire at a taxi rank in Westhoughton.

Police are investigating the blaze at Timewise Taxis in Church Street, which occurred at around 9pm last night, Monday, November 20.

An eyewitness who didn’t want to be named said: “I was alerted by seeing the flames.

“The car was a silver vehicle, which was parked towards the end of a row of parked vehicles further away from the Church Street end of the property, which houses the taxi company booking offices.

“There didn't seem to be any reason for the vehicle to have set alight at all.

“There were several other vehicles parked adjacent to the vehicle which was alight, none of which were in a similar condition.

“A fire engine arrived and the fire was put out within 10 minutes.”

A fire service spokesman said: At 9pm on Monday, November 20, one crew from Horwich attended an incident involving a car fire at a taxi rank in Church Street, Westhoughton, Bolton.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the flames using one hose reel and lighting.

“The cause of the fire is thought to be deliberate and is under investigation with Greater Manchester Police.”