A bus caught fire in Tottington on Tuesday and straddled the roadway.

The drama which unfolded in Market Street around 1pm caused major traffic hold-ups.

Fire crews discovered the 469 First bus, from Bury to Tottington, blocking the road near the bus terminus, with its engine on fire.

The single-decker’s three passengers managed to get off before the fire developed. The vehicle then rolled across the road, colliding with a wall.

Market Street was closed for several hours, to allow firefighters to deal with the flames and for the bus to be removed.

Rita Wiggins, a passenger on the bus, said: “I was sat at the back, near the engine and I saw all the smoke when I was getting off so I mentioned it to the driver.

“I didn’t realise how serious it was going to be. Fortunately nobody was hurt.

“We couldn’t believe it. Everyone was standing around taking pictures of it!”