Filming continues for Traces series 2 in Bolton

Film crews, as well as police cars, a bomb disposal unit and a fire engine could be seen opposite Derby Street shortly after 5pm tonight, as production continued for series two of Traces - the popular crime drama starring Line of Duty's Martin Compston.

Local resident Adrian Schofield, 60, who lives nearby, said: "I could see the blue lights flashing and the fire engine - but I couldn't smell smoke. I had no idea what was happening until I went outside and asked some people, who told me they were filming for Traces.

"I've never seen the show myself but I might give it a watch.

"One thing I don't understand is, how can the back streets of Bolton look like Dundee?"

It is unknown whether any of the main characters were in Bolton this evening.

Passer-by Anne Mitchell, 42, was on her way home from work when she stopped to see what was going on.

She said: "There were real police officers nearby and obviously the fake ones who are acting and I couldn't tell which was which.

"There were handcuffs and what looked like tasers involved in the filming as well - it's not what you expect to see on a Tuessday evening."

The series, produced by RED production Company which also made the recent Channel 4 drama It’s A Sin - also filmed in Bolton — is based on an original idea by best-selling crime writer Val McDermid where forensic science takes centre stage.

Series one, broadcast earlier this year, featured several scenes shot in Bolton, including in Victoria Square and the University.

Series two will continue to delve into the world of forensic science and deduce who’s behind a series of Dundee bombings.

This is not the first time the series has filmed in Bolton.

Last month, actors were spotted shooting a scene of the forensic drama on Corporation Street, where the road was transformed into the aftermath of a bomb explosion.