POLICE are continuing to appeal for witnesses to an allotment blaze caused by arsonists.

The flames destroyed a caravan and an allotment building on land near to a primary school in Farnworth on Saturday.

There were also loud bangs as gas canisters exploded. Smoke, coming from the site just off Devon Street, blew on to the A666 St Peter’s Way, slowing down traffic on the dual carriageway.

Two fire engines and police were called to the fire, which was started deliberately in either the wooden structure or the caravan and affected both.

No one was injured and All Saints C of E Primary School was not affected.

The fire was raging for two hours from 10am to noon, when firefighters finally managed to put it out.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it was called to the incident shortly before 10am on Saturday, and that it was being dealt with by police as an arson attack.

Any one with any information is asked to call Greater Manchester Police on 101.