A CHEMICAL leak forced the closure of a main road in Radcliffe on Friday, causing traffic chaos.

Shortly after 2pm, firefighters were called to a lorry in Pilkington Way when a 45 gallon drum of liquid ammonia nitrate started leaking.

Crews donned full chemical protection suits and, after consultation with environmental officers, flushed the seeping chemical into the sewer system.

A spokesman for Bury fire service said: "The liquid was giving off toxic fumes, although there was no danger to the public."

Pilkington Way was closed to traffic in both directions, between Stand Lane and Mellor Street. It resulted in heavy traffic congestion throughout most of the afternoon.