The car crashed into the corner of the pub and burst into flames.

Fire crews were called to the White Lion on York Street in Heywood, Rochdale, at around 03:15 GMT after a vehicle crashed into the building.

A wall on the corner of the pub has collapsed and traces of smoke can be seen from the street.

Greater Manchester Police urged drivers to avoid the area and said the road was likely to be closed “for some time”.

Police have not yet confirmed the extent of the driver’s injuries.

Eyewitnesses told BBC Radio Manchester they were shocked by the incident and said the vehicle could still be seen inside the building.

Some people gathered outside the police cordon said the disaster was “horrific” and it was “disturbing” to see the state of the “very popular pub”.

Others described the corner of York Road where the pub is located as a “busy, dangerous area” where there have been previous accidents.

Four fire engines attended the scene in Heywood town centre in the early hours of this morning, with crews using breathing apparatus and hose reels to tackle the blaze.

The area has been completely cordoned off by police and emergency services are still working at the scene.

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