SIX part time firemen arrested by detectives probing allegations involving hoax calls and arson were released last night. The firemen - all based at Horwich Fire Station - were released pending further inquiries after a day of questioning at Astley Bridge Police Station.

As revealed in the BEN yesterday, five of the firefighters were arrested early yesterday following a five month long investigation into claims that firemen were involved in hoax calls and arson to get £10 call-out fees. A sixth fireman was arrested five hours later. Today Chief Supt Mel Pelham, head of Bolton Police, said: "At this stage I can only say we are investigating a variety of allegations. More information has been obtained and we are now making follow up inquiries."

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