A DRIVER had a lucky escape after fleeing his car after it burst into flames while stopped at traffic lights.

The BMV caught fire at about 7pm last Saturday on Bolton Road West. It is thought the fire was caused by a mechanical fault.

The car was waiting for the lights to change when it burst into flames outside the Hare and Hounds pub in Holcombe Brook, but the driver managed to get out of the vehicle.

Fire crews and paramedics attended, and local army officers also helped out to divert traffic.