A VAN fire thought to have been started deliberately has caused major damage to a vehicle in Walmersley.

Firefighters were called to Ribble Drive, Bury at 11.58pm last night to a report of a large van fire involving a Mercedes panel van.

Bury fire station watch manager, Rick Taylor said: "It was very well alight when we arrived and there was 100 per cent damage to the cab section of the van.

"We used hose reels and breathing apparatus to tackle the fire and we were there for over an hour.

"We had to remove tools from the van because the fire had spread to some of the equipment in the rear.

"We suspect it's a deliberate ignition and the police will be investigating further."

The van contained plastic roofing.