YOUNG arsonists are risking their lives by regularly setting fire to a derelict Labour club.

Bradford Ward Labour club, on Bridgeman Street, Bolton, has been set alight 16 times since last June.

They force their way into the building, which has been empty for more than a year, despite steel shutters being bolted on to the windows and doors.

Then they climb into the building and start a fire using matches or a lighter.

Now firefighters are warning the youths that they face serious injury or even death if they carry on breaking into the building.

The latest incident was on Monday evening, just after 6pm.

One of the steel shutters used to seal the doors and windows had been removed and youths then set fire to the building using waste paper and matches. Around 20 per cent of the building was damaged and the whole of the building suffered smoke damage.

Each time firefighters are called out, they have to be assisted by the dangerous building inspectors from Bolton Council, and have to search the building.

Leading Firefighter at Bolton Central Fire Station Tony Callaghan said: "This club is a real problem for us and someone could end up getting hurt or even worse.

"There is only one way in and one way out and if that route gets blocked off once the fire has been started, these kids could end up in trouble.

"Bolton Council's dangerous building inspectors are called out every time we are called to the club and they put really secure shutters on but the kids somehow manage to get in again."

Ian Bailey, Assistant Divisional Officer for the Greater Manchester Fire Service, said: "There has been a large number of incidents for one building.

The incidents so far have been fairly minor but it only takes one incident for this to turn far more serious.

"If one of these children falls and bangs their head on the way out or is overcome by fumes, it could turn a trivial prank into someone losing their life.

"It seems every effort is being made to secure this building and it is still going on."

A spokesman from Bolton Council said: "This property is the target for vandals who are playing a very dangerous game and we are constantly having to re-secure the premises."