Motorists travelling to and from the town centre are facing chaos this afternoon following a "serious collision" which closed a major road.

Police shut Rochdale Road (A56) in both directions between Bond Street and Wash Lane following the crash.

However the roadway has now reopened Transport for Greater Manchester has confirmed.

It is not yet known how many vehicles were involved in the incident or if there have been any injuries.

One eyewitness said that the crash was causing "absolute chaos".

Disruption to travel saw drivers being advised to seek alternative routes, while buses were reported to be running around 45 minutes late and were diverted via the M66 and Walmersley Road.   

More to follow...