A road was cordoned off after a bus caught fire in Bolton today.

The A6 Blackrod Bypass Road in Blackrod was the site of the bus fire this evening (Wednesday, July 5).

Police and fire services were  called out to the scene, with firefighters having been witnessed putting it out at just past 5pm.

A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said, “At around 4:30pm today (Wednesday, 5th of July), firefighters were called to reports of a fire involving a double decker bus on Station Road in Blackrod, Bolton.

“Two fire engines from Hindley and Horwich fire stations quickly attended the scene. Firefighters closed the road and used breathing apparatus and one hose reel to extinguish the fire.

“Crews were at the scene for around an hour and a quarter.”

Speaking at around 5:10pm, an eyewitness who didn't want to be named said: "On the A6 going towards Blackrod at the traffic lights near to The Ridgeway Arms pub.

The Bolton News: Damaged busDamaged bus (Image: Public)

"It looks like the bus has set on fire from the engine. Two fire engines blocked the A6 off and put it out.

"Traffic is still bad and the A6 is shut both ways. It had been put out when I got there. It was all black inside the windows.

"As I got past it there were police sirens, I'm not sure it happened that long ago." 

Police and fire services have been approached for comment.