A PROBE has been launched after a minibus was set on fire in Great Lever.

Firefighters from Bolton Central station were called to Arlington Street at about 12.30am on Wednesday, after reports from residents a fire had broken out on the passenger side of a 12 seater minibus.

The bus, which is believed to be used for transporting children to and from school, sustained damage to the driver and passenger seats but the fire was put out by residents before it could spread further.

A fire service spokesman said the incident is being treated as arson and police have been informed.

Resident David Highfield, aged 61, said: "I went out and the two men from across the road were throwing buckets of water on it.

"We were just about to go back in and get more water when the fire engine arrived.

"If those lads hadn't thrown water on it as quick as they did it could have gone up very badly.

"I don't know who in their right mind would do it and so close to houses as well."

Mr Highfield said when he opened the minibus, a large amount of rags had been stuffed around and under the passenger seat.

He also said the vehicles tachographs, which are smart cards fitted into a vehicle to automatically record its speed and distance, had been strewn across the floor.

He added: "My wife woke me up to move our car after she saw the flames coming from the bus.

"It was smoking very badly and had a very acrid smell.

"It is all very strange because there were no signs of a break in and the window had been left down and it was unlocked.

"I was surprised to see the state of the bus inside particularly if it is used to transport children."

Residents are unaware as to who owns the minibus but said that it was the first time it had been parked in Arlington Street, as it was usually parked in Rudolph Street opposite.

Mr Highfield said: "I was surprised to see that rags had all been stuffed down and around the chair of the passenger side.

"But I didn't see anyone hanging around so whoever has done it has been quick about it.

"It's awful if it has been done on purpose."