A DIESEL spillage caused five cars to crash in two separate pile-ups which occured within seconds of each other today. Vehicles careered out of control as they were driven along Tonge Moor Road just after 7am with one car smashing into a wall in one of the incidents. The woman driver managed to walk from the wreckage and was not believed to be seriously injured.

Three cars, travelling away from Bolton town centre on the busy road, were also involved in the accident. No injuries were reported.

The fire brigade and paramedics called to the scene were not required.

It is believed the diesel had leaked from a double-deck bus following a suspected mechanical defect.

Highways bosses were warned of the spillage and council crews were sent to the scene to lay sand on the road to soak up the excess diesel oil.