AN ambulance service worker has been taken to hospital after a response vehicle was involved in a collision while responding to an emergency.

The A56 Bury New Road outbound had been fully closed since 4.20pm between Valley Park Road Tesco to Junction 17 on the M60 and has only just reopened.

The driver of the response vehicle was sent to hospital for treatment of minor injuries - as well as the two occupants of the other vehicle.

There was congestion on the A6044 Hilton Lane and long queues on the A665 Bury Old Road and the A6044 past Heaton Park as people divert the accident.

A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson said. “Today at around 1.30 pm, one of our response vehicles (RVs) was involved in a road traffic collision with another vehicle on Valley Park Road, Prestwich.

“The RV was responding to an emergency, with its blue lights and sirens in use, when the collision occurred.

“Thankfully, nobody was seriously hurt. The driver of the RV went to hospital for treatment of minor injuries and the two occupants of the other vehicle also had minor injuries and were taken by ambulance to North Manchester General Hospital.

“We will assist the police with their investigation into the cause of the collision.”

Greater Manchester Police declined to comment on the incident.

More to follow.