A tanker has spilled a small amount of a highly toxic and flammable chemical on a motorway near Manchester.

Firefighters wearing chemical protection suits were called to the westbound carriageway of the M60 on Monday.

A small amount of still-bottomed tar dissolved in methanol had leaked on to the road.

People living nearby are being urged to remain indoors and close all windows after warnings of a possible chemical cloud.

Ian Bailey, from Greater Manchester Fire Service, said: "The fire service attending the scene have been in contact with the National Chemical Emergency Centre.

"Due to markings that are on chemical containers these days we can come up with a system of making sure that we make things as safe as possible.

"The advice that has been given out is to keep windows and doors closed.

"If anyone feels any symptoms at all, they should get themselves checked out."