POLICE and fire officers were today investigating a £170,000 blaze which destroyed six lorries and four trailers at a Bury haulier's yard.

Four fire crews from Ramsbottom, Bury and Bolton, fought the fire at J and H Hinchliffe haulage contractors, Manchester Road, Walmersley, following a call at 3.39am yesterday.

But the fire service was inundated with many more calls after aerosol cans, loaded onto one of the trailers, started exploding and shooting across the main road, forcing police to close it for several hours.

Assistant Divisional Fire Officer Tony MacSparran said: "We had numerous calls, mostly from local residents. It sounded like the end of the world had come. The whole road was littered with aerosol cans."

Smoke from the fire could be seen from as far away as Bolton, and Mr MacSparran could see it as he was setting off from Heywood. Five jets were used to bring the fire under control and foam was sprayed on to one of the vehicles which contained cellulose thinners.

One of the biggest concerns was that the fire might spread to nearby bungalows, the nearest belonging to owner Mr Herbert Hinchliffe, who was awakened by the sound of the aerosols exploding.

Mr John Hinchliffe, a director of the family firm, estimates the cost of the damage at around £150,000.

"Three of the trailers were loaded up ready to go out on Monday morning and their loads, including the aerosols and bales of paper have all been destroyed," said Mr Hinchcliffe.

"My father lives on the site and a few windows in the house have been broken. If the wind had been blowing the other way it could have been a lot worse."

Mr Hinchliffe said that a large car boot sale in aid of the local church was due to have been held on the site yesterday and had to be cancelled.

Assistant Divisional officer MacSparran, said the blaze was brought under control in about an hour and a half but a crew would be staying on site for the remainder of the day as a precaution.

Mr MacSparran said that the causes were suspicious and were being investigated by both the police and fire service.

The firm has been in business on the site since 1922 and has a fleet of 30 vehicles.

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