FIREFIGHTERS had a narrow escape after a burning car came rolling towards them in Deane early Wednesday.

The fire crew was called to Ethel Street at 12.40am after neighbours reported a Ford Mondeo on fire.

But as the crew from Bolton Central arrived at the scene the vehicle began rolling down the hill towards them, missing the fire engine by inches.

The car came to a halt after hitting the curb. It was destroyed by the fire, which was thought to have been ignited deliberately.