Neighbours in the north of Euxton say they're being plagued by the insects which are buzzing around their homes and gardens.

Safety concerns have been raised and some residents have even called in professional fly killers to deal with the nuisance.

Chris Winter has been losing sleep over the hundreds of flies in his house on Whinney Lane, Euxton.

Mr Winter, 58, said: "We have closed the doors in every room and used a whole can of fly spray but they just seem to multiply and come back within a few hours.

"The flies have been here for a week but don't seem to go away, it just seems to get worse.

"It's awful because you can't watch TV or walk around the house, you can't go to sleep at night because of the constant buzzing.

"We have to cover up all the food in the kitchen and put it away because we don't know what type of flies they are and whether they are a health hazard.

"I've asked a private contractor to come around and get rid of them but he said the flies would only go away for a while and be back soon.

"I have never seen anything like it in the 20 years I've lived here."

It is unclear what type of fly has been attracted to the area, but some fear they may have multiplied because of dung spread on nearby farmland.

Parish councillor Tommy Gray, whose house on Cedar Avenue has also been affected by the flies, said: "There are a lot of flies around here for this time of year but it was much worse last year.

"One of the farmers was spreading something on his field last year and Chorley Council asked them to do the work later in the year so it attracts less flies, but they have come back.

"I've been trying to get rid of them in my kitchen."

Coun Eric Bell, Chorley Council's executive member ( n eighbourhoods), said: "We've received eight complaints from people about flies in the Whinny Lane area.

"We have been out to investigate the problem and we are currently trying to identify the source of it.

"Once we know what is attracting the flies we will see what we can do to get rid of them."

Have you been affected by the flies? Tell us about your experience by emailing the Guardian newsdesk.