DOZENS of residents expressed concern on Friday night after a huge bang was heard around the town centre.

After a large bang was heard across central Leigh areas, many residents took to social media to question what the noise and 'explosion' was.

It has since been confirmed that the noise came from a van setting alight and exploding on Lidl carpark on Derby Street.

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Emergency services services attended the scene on Friday night, and no injuries have been reported.

A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Shortly before 11.10pm last night (Friday 18 August), one fire engine from Atherton fire station was called to attend a van fire on Derby Street, Leigh.

“Crews arrived quickly and used two hose reels and two breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire. Firefighters worked alongside Greater Manchester Police to make the area safe before departing after approximately an hour at the scene."