A MAN has been interviewed by detectives investigating an arson attack which forced terrified pensioners to flee an nursing home.

The 29-year-old remains in hospital with serious burns following the blaze at the Shannon Court in Radcliffe Road, The Haulgh, in October.

Although too ill to be arrested, he was questioned under caution at Wythenshawe Hospital and a file of evidence has been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service, who will decide whether there is enough evidence to take the case to court.

The man was allegedly seen in flames running from the building and collapsed nearby. Police are not looking for anybody else in connection with the fire.

The blaze was started in the cellar at 9.40pm on Monday, October 9, and forced 60 pensioners to flee their rooms.

More than 40 firefighters attended the blaze and they helped residents to safety. The fire was contained in the basement but there was severe smoke damage to the rest of the home.

Three pensioners - two women, aged 62 and 94, and a 78-year-old man - were taken to hospital and treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.

The 94-year-old woman died two weeks later but the death was not being treated as suspicious.

Det Insp Paul Hitchen, of Bolton CID, said: "A man has been spoken to in hospital and the Crown Prosecution Service will make a decision in the coming weeks."