AN investigation is underway into the cause of a fire which spread to the exterior of a shop building.

Firefighters were called to the back of eQuit on Blackburn Road, Astley Bridge, at 9.30pm last night when a blaze broke out in an industrial bin and spread to guttering.

The blaze was well alight as crews arrived and they prevented the fire from spreading inside the shop and causing damage to interior.

The shop was open to customers as usual this morning.

Ian Tattersall, Watch Manager at Bolton North Fire Station, said: “The cause of the fire is under investigation.

“There is CCTV footage available which will help.”

He added: “The fire started in a bin and spread to the outside of the building damaging external fittings.”

The key holder was alerted and police have also been informed and say they are aware of the incident.

Three fire engines were mobilised to the building and firefighters were on the scene for one-and-a-half hours.