Emergency services spent an hour combatting a vehicle fire last night, Tuesday.

The call came in from the M602 near Eccles just before 8pm.

Large smoke could be seen rising into the sky and the car was seen completely ablaze between junctions one and two on the road.

Three fire service units were sent to the scene and spent around an hour making the scene safe.

Traffic continued to pass on the road with motorists seeing the terrifying sight of the car on fire during this time.

The fire was witnessed by Bolton councillor Mudasir Dean, who was driving past at the time on the way to Manchester.

He said: “Hopefully all the passengers are safe.

“We were on our way to Manchester for a family celebration dinner when we saw this tragic event at around 8pm.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “Shortly before 8pm last night, Tuesday, July 17, we were called to reports of a vehicle fire on the M602 eastbound, between junctions 1 and 2

“Three fire engines from Broughton, Agecroft and Eccles fire stations were quickly at the scene, where they found a fire involving one car on the hard shoulder, with the flames spreading to the embankment.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel and a jet to extinguish the fire and make the area safe. Crews were in attendance for around an hour.”

The incident took place on the last day of the red weather warning which the Met Office put in place for the first ever time in the UK.

During this time people were urged to travel only if necessary, remain out of the sun between 11am and 3pm and check up on those who may be unable to remain hydrated themselves.

Record temperatures were reached during the day.

The warning ended at midnight on Tuesday.