EMERGENCY services were called after a motorbike was set alight close to the Sankey Viaduct.

Firefighters and police attended after the blaze at the Newton-le-Willows site was reported shortly after 7.15pm on Sunday, August 6. 

Police confirmed the motorbike had been set on fire deliberately near to the Nine Arches bridge.

A Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said crews used buckets of water to extinguish the flames.

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The spokeswoman said: "Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service attended a vehicle fire at Nine Arches Bridge, Newton Le Willows, on August 6.

"Crews were alerted at 7.17pm and on scene at 7.21pm. One fire engine attended.

"Crews arrived to find a motorcycle involved in fire and used buckets of water to extinguish it.

"Crews left the scene at 7.40pm."

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman added: "We received a call at just before 7.40pm last night (Sunday) to reports a motorbike had been set alight close to Bradley Lane in Newton-le-Willows by unknown offenders.

"The bike is in the process of being recovered.

"Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC quoting log 814 of August 6."