FIREFIGHTERS stopped a blaze spreading to neighbouring businesses after an arsonist set fire to a fridge-freezer that was destined for the tip.

The unidentified culprit torched the free-standing upright appliance outside the back door in Ditto Bistro in Broad Street in Bury town centre at 12.45pm.

A police officer on patrol during the Bury 10K - Run For All event spotted the flames and alerted the fire brigade.

Three fire engines, one each from Bury North, Whitefield and Ramsbottom Fire Stations, attended to extinguish the fire and stayed on scene for 90 minutes.

Owner Diane Driscoll wanted to reassured customers the popular eatery will be likely open as usual from Tuesday lunchtime.

Whitefield's crew manager Paul Mills said: "We prevented it spreading.

"The flames were just about to get hold when we arrived.

"It was very fortunate and we managed to stop it from causing too much damage.

"It was excellent partnership working between the fire bridge and the police."

Ditto Bistro's rear door, the door frame, a rubbish bin and part of a soil pipe from the property upstairs suffered fire damage along with part of the roof.

Smoke drifted through to the restaurant's dining room and kitchen but was cleared with the fire service's giant ventilation fan.

The restaurant was closed and empty at the time of the incident, which is being investigated by the police.

Ms Driscoll said: "We had a fridge-freezer that wasn't working very well and at around 5 o'clock yesterday we put it outside the back door with the intention of removing it and taking it to the tip.

"But we were open last night and we couldn't do it.

"We got a call at around 12 o'clock today to say there was a problem and our back door of the unit was open but when we got there we found somebody had ignited the fridge-freezer.

"The fire brigade were amazing."

She said three containers of lighter fluid were found near the torched appliance, suggesting someone had deliberately started the fire with the use of an accelerant.

The bistro was forced to close for its usual Sunday evening service and is normally shut anyway on Mondays. Ms Driscoll said: "We hope to be open for Tuesday lunch."

Mr Mills advised businesses to store waste, rubbish bins and items earmarked for disposal away from their property.