MOTORISTS using the M6 today (Wednesday) should be aware of two big incidents which have caused long tailbacks.

The motorway has been closed southbound by Warrington (junction 21) following a serious crash at 1.28pm which has resulted in the North West Air Ambulance needing to attend.

Police, highways and ambulance teams have arrived on the scene for the incident, which North West Motorway Police say has happened on the southbound carriageway.

Just after 2pm, the southbound slip road at junction 21 is closed, the M6 southbound main carriageway is closed and the eastbound M62 road to the southbound M6 will be closed. The westbound M62 road to the M6 southbound is also closed.

Earlier, police officers investigating a serious, three-vehicle collision on the M6 in Cheshire at 11.21am arrested a man in relation to the incident.

At 11.21am officers were called to reports of a three-vehicle collision on the M6 southbound between junctions 19 and 18, near Knutsford.

The incident involved a blue Volvo V70, a blue Ford C-max and a silver Landrover.

Police, fire and ambulance services attended the scene and a full closure was put in place on the southbound carriageway.

Three casualties were released from their vehicles by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, they have since been taken to hospital; their injuries are not currently believed to be life threatening.

A 33-year-old man from Brighouse was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drug driving; he is currently assisting officer with their enquiries.

The road reopened at about 1pm.