Police probe series of SIX 'linked' and 'targeted' arson attacks in a single shocking HOUR of violence

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Police are probing a total of six 'linked' arson attacks across Bolton that saw homes and a car targeted within the space of an hour.

Emergency services were called out to the incidents in the Great Lever and Farnworth areas between 12am and 1am. A number of fires were started at various locations, with cordons put in place on Plodder Lane, Green Lane, Crescent Road and Howcroft Street.

The Manchester Evening News understands the arson attacks followed a dispute between gangs in the area. Detectives are currently treating the fires as targeted, resulting in criminal damage of multiple properties and one vehicle. READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community Two men aged 31 and 28 were subsequently arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police are continuing to investigate and hunt down other offenders. In response to the incidents, section 60 stop and search powers have been enforced and will remain in place until midnight on Monday (April 17) in the nearby vicinity.