POLICE and highways teams have been called to a multi-vehicle collision between junctions 12 (Runcorn) and 14 (Hapsford) of the M56 motorway.

The collision, believed to involve up to five vehicles, has been reported on the eastbound carriageway at 3.33pm.

Police say they arrived at the scene four minutes later and were dealing with the incident.

Highways England and the North West Motorway Police temporarily stopped traffic while they moved affected vehicles to the hard shoulder.

While all vehicles have now been moved to the hard shoulder and debris cleared from the carriageway thanks to what North West Motorway Police said was "excellent teamwork", motorists are advised to take care when passing the incident scene on the hard shoulder.

No injuries have been reported in the collision but rush-hour commuters have been experiencing delays on the M56 this afternoon.