A train station in Swinton will remain closed for the 'foreseeable future' after a 'deliberate' fire ripped through the ticket office.
Crews tackled the blaze at Moorside railway station on Moorside Road at around 2am on Monday morning (February 17).
The blaze is believed to have started inside the locked-up booking office.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service launched an investigation and now believe that the fire was caused by 'possible deliberate ignition'.
It comes just weeks after the station reopened on January 15 following 'extensive refurbishment'.
Moorside underwent improvement works under Northern's 'Better Stations' project, which included a new booking office being rebuilt and a new ticket machine being installed.
Bosses at Northern have said the station is expected to be closed again for the 'foreseeable future'.
Customers have been advised to used Swinton station instead.
The fire caused significant damage to the booking office and hall.
Pictures show the main building boarded up with smoke damage on the walls.
A spokesperson for Northern said: “We are still assessing the extent of the damage caused by the fire at Moorside station.
“The fire has caused significant damage to the booking office and hall and, as this provides the only access to the platforms, the station is likely to remain closed for the foreseeable future.
“In the meantime customers are advised to continue to use nearby Swinton station.”
Shortly after the fire was put out, a GMFRS spokesperson said: "We were called at 1.52am to reports of a fire at Moorside rail station on Moorside Road in Swinton.
"Fire engines from Farnworth, Agecroft and Eccles fire attended at the scene.
"We left the scene at around 4.30am.
"The station building was well alight.
"The fire appeared to have begun within the ticket office which is locked up."
British Transport Police have been contacted for a comment.
