Sandbach motorists wanting to fill up for fuel today are having to find alternative petrol stations after a car fire closed the town's only one near the M6 junction.

Co-op Saxon Cross , which also includes a petrol station, has been closed after a car caught fire last night (Sunday) but is due to open in the next couple of hours.

Instead motorists have been travelling to the petrol station at nearby Arclid or ones further afield in Crewe or on the M6 services.

Faulty electrics are thought to be the cause of the car fire which broke out at 5.20 pm last night.

A clean-up was underway this morning of any fuel and excess surface water.

A Co-op spokesperson said: "Apologies we will be closed tonight and first thing tomorrow due to a car fire on the forecourt.

"Everyone is safe and unharmed which is the most important part of this but soon as everything is clear we will re-open.

"Thank you to the amazing team at Cheshire Fire Service and everyone who was in with us at the time who helped. It's greatly appreciated."

A spokesperson from Chesire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters were called to reports of a car fire on a fuel station forecourt.

"On arrival crews assessed that the vehicle was a safe distance from the fuel pumps.

"One firefighter wore breathing apparatus, and crews used a hose reel to extinguish the fire.

"The cause is believed to be faulty electrics and no casualties were reported at the scene."