Investigations into a fire that caused hundreds of people to be evacuated from Bolton's Market Place Shopping Centre are continuing.

Fire crews and police responded to a blaze inside the men's toilets at The Vaults at around 6.30pm last night.

Firefighters believe the fire started on a toilet roll holder.

A spokesperson for Bolton Central fire station said: "Three crews attended which is the standard turn out for this premises.

"We sent two people in full breathing apparatus with a fire extinguisher. and cleared the smoke.

"Police are now dealing with the incident."

READ MORE: Hundreds of people evacuated from Market Place Shopping Centre after fire

It is believed that the fire was started deliberately.

Two crews from Bolton Central and one from Bolton North attended the scene.

Crews used one hose reel and breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze.

They also used ventilation fans to clear smoke from the building.

Firefighters were on scene for one hour.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Shortly after 6.45pm on Monday, November 25, 2019, police received reports of a fire at the Market Place Shopping Centre, Bolton.

"Officers and the fire service attended and evacuated the building as a precautionary measure.

"No one was injured.

"Early police enquiries suggest the fire originated in the men’s toilets and a Crime Scene Investigation team is currently at the scene to determine the start of the fire."

No arrests have been made and police enquiries are ongoing.