A teenager is ‘still in hospital’ after being seriously injured in a fire yesterday, which firefighters believe was caused by a paint cannister.

The boy was injured in a fire in a wooded area in Angelbank, Horwich at around 5.30pm on Monday evening.

Firefighters from Bolton Central Fire Station and other emergency services including an air ambulance, paramedics and police officers were called to the scene.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "At approximately 5.30pm on Monday firefighters were called to an incident on Angelbank, in Horwich.

"Two fire engines from Bolton fire station quickly attended the scene.

"The fire is believed to have involved a paint cannister in a wooded area.

"One casualty has been taken to hospital in an ambulance by NWAS."

Police say that they were called to the scene as well but that it is not yet clear which service would be leading an investigation into the incident.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “A teenager was injured and he’s still in hospital.

“At this stage it's not clear if the police or the fire service are leading the investigation.

“His injuries are not described as life threatening but they are serious.”

The boy was taken to hospital by paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service.

The air ambulance helicopter was also reported at the scene.

Officers have not yet released further details as to the cause of the fire but a paint cannister is believed to have been involved in the start of the blaze.

The wooded area is found off Angelbank in Horwich near a residential street containing several detached houses on the outskirts of Horwich near to Blackrod Railway Station.

No further injuries or damage to the nearby area have as yet been reported as a result of the blaze.