ST Peter's Way is likely to remain closed throughout the night following a lorry fire at teatime.

Police shut the road after the vehicle carrying mattresses caught fire just before 6pm causing heavy congestion in the area, stretching back to the M60 Swinton Interchange, and from the Kearsley roundabout to Manchester Road in Moses Gate

The fire broke out near the Kearsley junction and firefighters from across Bolton were mobilised to it, with crews understood to still be at the scene.

The Highways Agency shut the A666 northbound , with no access from the M60 ­— both directions ­— off the M61 southbound.

Motorists already on the dual carriage reported delays of nearly two hours and said the vehicle was well alight as emergency crews arrived.

It is understood the driver escaped the vehicle without any serious injuries.

Nearby businesses and residents were urged to keep their windows and doors shut because of the thick smoke.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "Four fire engines and an aerial appliance were called to the scene at approximately 5.05pm.

"The vehicle, which was carrying mattresses, was well alight when fire crews arrived to the scene."

Lorry on fire on A666

Lorry on fire on A666

One motorist told The Bolton News she noticed smoke as she came on to St Peter's Way off the Kearsley roundabout.

She said:"There were two fire engines going the same way as us and when we saw it it was properly on fire.

"They were letting us go past slowly we were probably stuck for an hour and 45 minutes.

"Then they closed the road I think

"I didn't know what was in the lorry but it seemed they were really battling to control the fire."

Latest highways information is reporting that the closure remains in place and is likely to be shut "across the evening".

The fire service confirmed the road reopened just after 11pm.