AUTHORITIES have closed a main road through Whitefield as they deal with a "serious crash" involving a car and a bicycle.

Manchester Road/A56 has been shut from Hollins Brow to Radcliffe New Road since 12.05pm.

An air ambulance attended the scene.

A spokesman for the police told the Bury Times the incident involved a person who had been run over.

They said: "There was a serious road traffic collision involving a car and a pedestrian.

"That occurred at approximately 12.05pm. Closures are in place currently and an ambulance has been called to the scene."

A spokesman for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) warned drivers about traffic building on the road.

In a tweet, they said: "A56 Bury New Road, Whitefield, is closed in both directions between Radcliffe New Road and Hollins Brow due to a police incident.

"Seek an alternative route."

The closure is currently expected to put around 14 minutes onto any journeys.

Dozens of people have taken to social media, with residents commenting on Unsworth, Sunnybank & Hollins News Facebook page: "Hope everyone is okay."