LIVE: Travel chaos as emergency services shut road following smash - latest updates

Emergency services scrambled to the scene of a road traffic collision in Rochdale on Wednesday evening (April 20) causing huge delays. The incident happened on Halifax Road (A58) at around 5.30pm.

The road closed at around 5.40pm this evening and remains shut in both directions between B6266 Entwisle Road (Texaco garage) and Cook Street. Traffic remains heavy, with congestion building up down St Mar's Gate and close to Rochdale town centre.

It is understood that paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service as well as fire crews and officers from Greater Manchester Police are in attendance. Eyewitnesses reported two cars were involved in the smash, but further details about the incident are not yet known.

Transport for Greater Manchester Police confirmed the incident and the closure. They tweeted: "Due to an RTC #A58 #HalifaxRoad is closed in both directions at the junction with #EntwisleRoad. Local bus services are diverting, please check with your operator before travel."

Rosso bus company confirmed that various bus routes, including the 456, 457 and 457 had to divert - with drivers also urged to follow diversions down the A664 and Rochdale Bypass. GMP, the Greater Manchester FIre Service and the North West Ambulance Service have been approached for more information.

This is a live incident, we will bring you more updates below.

According to live AA map updates, there is 'heavy traffic' along Halifax Road following the smash.