A resident has told how he had to climb out of a window after a fire which destroyed both his vehicles spread to his house.

An investigation is now underway into the cause of the fire which broke out at 2am today (Thursday, July 7) on the junction of Croft Lane and Alfred Street in Great Lever, where the cars were parked.

The cars, a BMW 330d and a Peugeot 207, were both badly damaged.

The motorist, says he was awoken in the early hours by the fire, and escaped home with his cats under his arm.

The Bolton News: The burnt BMWThe burnt BMW (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking to The Bolton News, the resident, who did not  want to be named, said: "It has happened at 2am today.

"I had to climb out of my kitchen window with my cats under my arms.

"The fire smashed the front window of the house."

Speaking about the burning smell from the cars, he said: "It smells like that in my front room and my living room.

He believes the fire was started deliberately 

He said: "It is lucky they are both diesel because if they were petrol, then 'bang' because petrol combusts.

Speaking about the BMW, he said: "I have been working on this car, it is my project car.

"I put temporary insurance on the cars when I do drive them. So because I wasn't driving them at the time, they are not insured.

The Bolton News: The Peugeot, which was also burntThe Peugeot, which was also burnt (Image: Newsquest)

"My plan is to find somewhere to store them to break them for parts. The cost of the cars can be got back just by doing that."

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At 2.10am on Thursday 6 July, GMFRS crews were called to reports of a fire on Alfred Street, Bolton.

“Three fire engines from Bolton Central, Atherton and Farnworth stations were quickly mobilised to the incident. The fire initially involved two cars before spreading to the front end of a terraced home.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued a woman and a cat from the property and used two hose reels to extinguish the fire.

“Crews then made the area safe before handing the scene over to Greater Manchester Police.

“GMFRS were in attendance for about an hour and 10 minutes.”

A spokesperson from GMP said: "At around 2.20am this morning (Thursday July 6 2023), officers were called to reports of a car fire in Croft Lane, Bolton.

"The fires were put out by colleagues in the fire service.

"Officers are currently investigating the circumstances of the fire, but believe it to be an isolated incident.

"Enquiries are ongoing."