FIRE crews had to force their way into a vehicle to stop a raging fire from spreading after thugs attempted to set a petrol tank on fire.

The interior of a black Vauxhall Corsa was destroyed in what has been described as an "intentional" blaze in Fern Street, Bolton.

Firefighters at Bolton Central Fire Station were alerted after a taxi driver telephoned 999. One crew arrived at the scene at 5.30am on Saturday.

Neil hill, crew manager, said: "The back window was smashed. The car was completely on fire inside.

"They had also taken a petrol cap off, then put a piece of rope inside the car and pushed the rope inside the petrol tank, presumably in the hope of setting the tank on fire. It was an unusual set up.

"The car has been destroyed. It was very intentional.

"We had to make sure the fire did not start up again."

Fire crews used cutting equipment to access the vehicle and open the boot, then used a hose reel to extinguish the flames.