Crane smashes into Wigan house after lorry overturns

A shipping container which the crane was believed to have been lifting was left lying against the house

A crane has crashed through the front of a house after the lorry carrying it overturned, a fire service has said.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue said the machinery crashed into the building on Flapper Fold Lane in Atherton, Wigan at about 10:30 BST, causing a fire.

It said firefighters soon extinguished the blaze and cleared away fuel that had spilt on the road.

It added that the unharmed residents were being rehoused in temporary accommodation by Wigan Council.

A representative said the scene had now been left with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the crane operating company "to arrange recovery of the crane".

Firefighters quickly put out a blaze caused by the crane and cleared up fuel that was spilt on the road

It is believed the crane toppled over as it attempted to move a shipping container from a nearby playing field.

GMP said a 330ft (100m) cordon had been put in place and inquiries were "ongoing to find out how this happened".

"A scene is expected to remain in place until later today and we ask members of the public to please avoid the area," the force added.