AN empty house, used as a drugs den by local youths, was set on fire on Sunday night (Dec 16), sparking a gas alert.
Fire crews from Bury and Whitefield faced added danger after the arsonists turned on a gas main before fleeing the house in Bolton Street, Radcliffe.
As the house became flooded with gas a small rubbish fire raged in a first floor bedroom.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "The house and adjoining properties would have been wrecked if there was an explosion.
"The house is vacant but it is regularly used as a drugs den. We are treating this matter as malicious and the police have been notified."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article