A serious gas leak has triggered urgent emergency works at the junction of Green Lane and the A57 Liverpool Road, with immediate traffic restrictions put in place.

Utility company Cadent Gas confirmed the leak has spread into nearby properties and has been traced back to a large 24-inch gas main, raising significant safety concerns. Emergency crews are now working to assess and contain the situation.

As a result, traffic changes have come into force straight away. Green Lane is now operating as a one-way road, with no access permitted from Liverpool Road into Green Lane. However, drivers can still exit Green Lane onto Liverpool Road.

The severity of the leak means repair works cannot be delayed, and disruption in the area is expected while engineers deal with the issue. Residents nearby are also being affected, with the gas ingress into properties adding to the urgency of the response.

Officials say further updates will be provided tomorrow, including how long the works are expected to last, confirmation of the exact location of the leak, and details of any wider diversion routes that may be introduced.

Motorists are being urged to take extra care when travelling through the area and to allow additional time for their journeys, as arrangements could change at short notice due to the evolving nature of the incident.