FIREFIGHTERS were scrambled to the scene after a blaze broke out in a 40ft lorry trailer carrying highly flammable gas.

Crews were called to Mill Street in the town centre at 4.31pm this afternoon after the fire was spotted.

The trailer contained highly flammable liquid petroleum gas cylinders as well as non-flammable argon carbon dioxide cylinders.

These had to be carefully cooled by crews to prevent any risk of explosion before they could be safely removed.

Firefighters left the scene at 6.40pm, and the lorry was left in the care of Greater Manchester Police officers to be recovered by the owners.