A group of asylum seekers have been moved for their own safety after a house was firebombed.

Police were called to Wigan in Greater Manchester after a gang of masked men also smashed up a car and caused a gas pipe to catch fire.

A number of nearby homes were evacuated after the attack in the early hours of Thursday.

It was the latest in a series of recent incidents involving asylum seekers in the town, and steps are being taken to address the problem.

There are lots of other asylum seekers in the town and it is a very harmonious community

Superintendent Ian Harrison, Greater Manchester Police

The news came after a group of refugees in Liverpool refused to agree to be re-located, because some of them faced being moved to Wigan.

Superintendent Ian Harrison, of Greater Manchester Police, told BBC North West Tonight: "The relationship between asylum seekers and local people is very good in Wigan.

"There are lots of other asylum seekers in the town and it is very harmonious community.

"I have been out on the streets myself and witnessed local people talking to the newer members of the community."

The asylum seekers in Liverpool were due to be moved to various areas of Greater Manchester, including Wigan, on Thursday.

They had complained about the conditions of flats where they were staying in.

Solicitor Peter Simm: refugees could be put "at risk"

Peter Simm, solicitor for the refugees, said: "They maybe being moved into a situation where they are at risk.

"They won't tell us the address...so how can we assess that until they give us the information?"

One asylum seeker said he did not want to leave Liverpool because he was about to take exams at college.

Another said: "I know everyone in Liverpool and if I move to another city I will have no friends and will have to wait up to six months to get into college there."

The National Asylum Support Service said there was no suitable alternative accommodation available in Liverpool.

However, the agency said the refugees had 24 hours to appeal against the decision to re-locate them.