A LORRY full of empty beer barrels shed its load on one of the main roads in to Bradford city centre this afternoon, causing traffic chaos.

Dozens of barrels tumbled out of the heavy goods vehicle and spilled onto the road at Rooley Lane, just off the Staygate roundabout near to McDonald's restaurant, much to the bemusement of onlookers.

The accident, which police were called to at around 3.15pm, caused gridlock on the M606 towards the city centre during the busy Friday afternoon commute, as police were forced to close Rooley Lane.

At least seven police officers, who looked in good spirits, were seen shifting the empty barrels, which took around an hour, and Rooley Lane was re-opened at 4.30pm.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said no one was injured in the incident.

The lorry was moved to Parkway which was expected to be closed into the evening so police and community support officers could re-load the beer kegs.