FIRE crews attended a blaze where a van containing petrol cans was in flames in Runcorn.

One fire engine attended the scene on Evenwood Close yesterday afternoon, Wednesay.

A witness of the incident, Mark Tinsley, told how he and other individuals collected water before the fire engine arrived to extinguish the flames on the outside of the vehicle.

"The owner said the van had lawnmowers in and petrol cans as he was a gardener," he added.

When the fire crews arrived, the van was still 'well alight' and the area had to be cordoned off.

Firefighters had to wear breathing apparatus and used a horse reel to extinguish the flames.

A thermal imaging camera was then used to make sure the fire was completely out before reopening the area.

A spokesperson from Cheshire Fire Service said: "Crews were called to a van on fire. On arrival, they found the vehicle was well alight and cordoned off the area.

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel to put out the fire. A thermal imaging camera was used to make sure the fire was out."