A local wildlife conservation organisation has been left shocked after they found a burnt out vehicle in a popular nature reserve.

SPAWN, Save Pits and Wildlife Nature, discovered the destroyed Ford transit van inside the Darcy Lever Gravel Pits.

They believe it was set alight last week and it has since been reported to the police and local councillors.

The wildlife organisation who look after the gravel pits said this is a real damage to the nature reserve that is home to protected newt species.

Daniel McNally, Chair of SPAWN, said: "We are shocked at this not only the criminal aspect of it most likely being a stolen vehicle that has been destroyed but also the ecological damage to the nature reserve.

"The Darcy Lever Gravel Pits is small and peaceful with a wide variety of wildlife and is a site of biological interest with a protected newt species.

"This incident must have caused quiet a shock to all wildlife when it happened and the fire has damaged surrounding plant life and enviromental damage from oils and toxins."

Daniel said he is unsure how the van got into the nature reserve as it is all pedestrianised without vehicle access.

The fire has damaged parts of the reserve.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “The council and GMP are aware. We are liaising with the owner of the vehicle and they are arranging recovery.”

This isn't the first time the nature reserve has been impacted.

In February, residents were calling for action to be taken against people who were fly tipping at the gravel pits.

Residents said there was a huge problem in the area as they noticed flytipping, faeces and wipes gathering from two large tents.