FIREFIGHTERS rushed to the scene of a car on fire after it crashed into a lamppost last night.

At around 2am, fire crew responded to reports that a car had crashed into a lamppost in Chorley Old Road, near Bob's Smithy Inn.

Witnesses say they saw three people light the car on fire and run from the scene after the car had collided with the lamppost.

The watch manager at Bolton North fire station said: "We were called to reports of a car crash into a lamppost.

"When we arrived the car was well alight. Witnesses reported seeing three people abscond after setting alight to the car."

Police and Bolton Council's highways department were also called to deal with the dangerous incident, as the lamppost was left hanging at an angle.

Fire crews were at the scene for around an hour. Police are now carrying out investigations into the incident.