A suspected arsonist allegedly walked up to Poundland store with a lit barbecue firelighter and started a blaze - before doing the same outside a Wilko shop next door.

Emergency services were called to Greenside Lane in Droylsden at around 9.12am on Monday.

Witnesses said they saw someone walk towards Poundland before running away.

They then realised a fire had been started. Staff members were able to put it out before firefighters arrived.

A second fire is then understood to have been started outside the Wilko store next door.

Witnesses said they heard 'loud bangs'. The fire alarm inside sounded and the shop was evacuated.

Images from the scene show damaged items strewn across the pavement.

(Image: Charlotte Dobson)

Firefighters were called and extinguished the blaze.

It is understood items outside both stores were set alight.

Greater Manchester Police have launched an investigation. A spokesman said no arrests have been made.

No one is thought to have been hurt.

One shop worker, who asked not to be named, said: "It must have been quite traumatic for those working inside at the time."

Another said: "We were working on the tills when the fire started.

"All the stuff outside had gone up in flames. That's all I saw. Something else had been set on fire outside Poundland too."

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "Somebody has been in Poundland and lit some firelighters before running out at 9.12am. This was put out.

"We have then been informed about a fire at Wilkos."

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called at 9.17am to a fire in a shop in Greenside Lane, Droyslden.

(Image: Charlotte Dobson)

"Crews wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels to extinguish the fire.

"Police were informed for suspected deliberate ignition. We sent two fire engines from Manchester Central and Philips Park."