Road closures “expected for some time” after car crashed into pub and bursts into flames

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

The White Lion pub in Heywood

A busy road in Heywood has been shut in both directions following a serious crash in the early hours of this morning (Monday 1 July).

Police have warned people to avoid the area, and said that road closures are expected for “some time”. It is believed that a vehicle crashed into the White Lion pub on York Street before bursting into flames.

At the time of publication, York Street in the centre of the town is currently shut off, and has been closed between Hartley Street to Green Lane since the early hours.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “Shortly after 3.15am this morning, four fire engines from Rochdale, Heywood and Bury fire stations attended a building fire on York Street, Heywood.

“Crews arrived quickly and used four hose reel jets and four breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire.

“Road closures are in place and firefighters remain in attendance at this time.”

Rochdale Police posted on X: “Road closures are expected to remain in place for some time, so please avoid the area if possible, as our offices alongside other emergency service colleagues conduct further enquiries.”

The exact nature of the incident, and whether anyone has been injured, has not yet been confirmed.

More to follow...