Police investigate arson attack at Porsche storage warehouse in Bolton
The garage went up in flames on Monday night.
Last updated 7th Nov 2017
Police have launched an investigation after an arson attack caused millions of pounds worth of damage to dozens of sports cars being stored in a warehouse in Bolton.
Two men were seen entering the garage next to Bolton Porsche centre on Britannia Way shortly before the fire started at 11.10pm last night.
It's believed they broke through a back door and started the fires throughout the garage.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service say three cars were already completely on fire when they arrived and more than 20 others have been damaged.
Officers are now appealing to anyone who might have seen the offenders in the area at the time.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Bridge of GMP’s Bolton borough said: “This was a deliberate act that caused extensive damage to both the building and the high value cars inside.
“It is clear that this was a planned act and our investigation will explore why someone chose to do this.
“I am just grateful that no-one was injured as a result of this reckless behaviour.
“We are following several lines of enquiry and are currently trawling through local CCTV footage to try to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding the fire.
“If you saw someone acting suspiciously in the area or have any information that could help our investigation, then please call us."
Around 50 fire fighters tackled the blaze at its peak and crews remain at the scene.
Group Manager Ben Levy who was the Officer in Charge at the incident said: “When the first fire engine arrived at the scene, it was clear that it was a significantly developed fire.
“Firefighters worked in very poor conditions with excessive black smoke, but quickly got the incident under control.
“Firefighters have done an amazing job. This incident comes off the back of a busy bonfire weekend for Blue Watch, who are on their second night on call. Their relentless and committed professionalism is never clearer than at an incident like this, after the most demanding of weekends.”
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 5599 or 101 quoting reference number 2519 of 06/11/17, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.