Sudden car fire shuts Hoghton Street

Fire crews have closed off part of Southport town centre after a serious car fire.

The blaze broke out on Hoghton Street near to the corner of Church Street this morning just after 10am.

Fire crews were called to the scene and immediately closed off the road due to the nature of the blaze.

Police were also called to help manage traffic, with the stretch of road being closed between Church Street and Mornington Road.

The car, which was quickly abandoned by its driver, is thought to have suffered a severe malfunction and began to quickly overheat leading to an engine fire.