A DELIBERATE fire was started inside a former taxi rank.

Crews from Bolton Central were called to the old Adam's Taxis office in Moor Lane in the early hours of this morning.

A large pile of furniture, including tables, cupboards, carpets and other rubbish had been set alight inside the now derelict building.

Darren Collier, crew manager at Bolton Central Fire Station, said: "The building had been occupied by homeless people who had started a fire.

"A passer-by had seen lots of smoke coming from the roof and called 999.

"A pile of general office furniture had been set on fire.

"There was quite a large volume of smoke coming out of the building. Burning paper and furniture had built up inside.

"The police have been informed."

The former one-storey Adams Taxis office, a private hire firm, is located next to the former bus depot.

Two fire engines from Bolton Central were called to the building shortly after 2am.

Crews, using breathing apparatus, entered the building and put out the flames. They were in attendance for about one hour.