ARSONISTS have struck again in Radcliffe, causing the fourth major blaze in the town in as many weeks.

About 40 firefighters were called to a blazing industrial unit at the rear of Kart 1 Karting in Water Street at 5pm on Sunday.

Police were forced to close a 100-metre section of the road for nearly five hours, with diversions hitting many motorists.

The blaze destroyed a 20-metre section of the building's roof although firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control within 60 minutes and prevent it from spreading to adjoining units.

The latest attack comes on the back of three other suspicious fires -- and a major bomb scare -- since the Bank Holiday Monday in April.

On April 12, 60 firefighters fought a major blaze at the empty Windsor Mill in Bolton Road, with the road closed to traffic for more than 16 hours.

Less than 48 hours later, a large team of firefighters battled to save nearby homes when hundreds of pallets went up in flames in a yard at Bradley Fold Industrial Estate.

The following day 15 firefighters tackled a fierce blaze which swept through the first-floor and roof of the former Benny's nightclub and Fusion disco in Warthfold Road.

Other minor fire incidents in the town have included a waste paper recycling unit in Ainsworth Road, a rubbish fire at a derelict mill in Milner Street, and a blaze which destroyed a Mini car and a garage in Bolton Road.

Police say there is no evidence to link all the fires although they are asking local residents to remain vigilant and report anyone acting suspiciously.

Inspector Steve Clark, of Radcliffe Township, said: "The town has been hit quite hard by fires over the last few weeks and investigations are continuing by ourselves and the fire service into the causes.

"The likelihood is that the majority of these fires have been started by children and our main concern is at some point a child is going to get seriously injured or killed.

"I would urge all parents to remind their children of the dangers of playing in or around derelict buildings."