FIRE crews rushed to the scene of a two-vehicle crash on Wednesday morning, which caused delays for several hours.

The crash happened on the junction of Atherleigh Way and St Helens Road between 7.30am and 8am on November 23.

Firefighters from Leigh and Atherton attended the scene at around 8.30am, taking over from colleagues who had been there since around 7.30am.

One of the cars had to have their roof cut off so firefighters could rescue the driver whilst another driver managed to rescue themselves.

Police and ambulance services were also on the scene, and one person has been taken to hospital for “precautionary checks”.

Watch manager Steven Waygood said: “We started on duty at around 8.30am and we relieved the crew.

“I think it happened between 7.30am and 8am.

“We were there for a couple of hours.

“We rescued one person by cutting the roof off one of the vehicles.

“The other driver self-rescued.

“There were two vehicles involved.

“One person has gone to hospital for precautionary checks."

A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “At around 7.30am on Wednesday 23 November, firefighters were called out to a road traffic collision at the junction of St Helens Road and Atherleigh Way in Leigh.

“Two fire engines from Atherton and Leigh, as well as a technical response unit, attended the scene where two cars had collided.

"Fire crews used cutting equipment to remove the roof from one vehicle to free a trapped casualty who was then taken to hospital with spinal injuries. Crews were in attendance for two and a half hours.”

Bus services were also affected by the accident, including the Diamond Bus service 582 and 583, and other Stagecoach services in the area.

Heavy congestion was experienced on St Helens Road and in Lowton along Newton Road.

Atherleigh Way was closed in both directions, with long delays and queueing traffic for a significant amount of time.

Police and North west Ambulance Service have been approached for more information.