Six vehicles involved in crash on Rake Lane near Chester

Images on social media show three Audis, a Mercedes, a small Peugeot and a Land Rover at the scene of the collision which occurred at around 9am this morning.

Cheshire Police attended the incident and the road was closed so that the area could be cleared. No injuries were reported.

Rake Lane begins near the Little Stanney area of Ellesmere Port and - with the inclusion of Little Rake Lane - runs past Backford towards Chester.

Businessman Adam Dandy, who took the photos, said a "bad bend" coupled with the icy conditions had contributed to the incident and called for the well-used route to be gritted.

Cllr Karen Shore confirmed that Rake Lane was on the "secondary gritting route" and that the Council's gritting teams would be visiting the area.

Cheshire Police confirmed that gritters were called to the scene.

Simon Eardley, Cllr for Saughall and Mollington, said: "Rake Lane, Little Rake Lane and other surrounding country lanes in the Chorlton-by-Backford and Backford area have many bends and, even in the best weather conditions, can be challenging to navigate.

"The snow and ice overnight has made this area treacherous overnight and very difficult to use, even at low speeds. Multiple RTCs have taken place this morning and whilst the precise circumstances will vary, inappropriate speed may have been a factor.

"Drivers should be extra cautious when using these country lanes and consider alternatives, such as the main A rounds which surround the area. Safety improvements, such as the introduction of chevron warning signs on the worst 'bends' have been introduced in recent years, but the key message must always be: slow down!"

More to follow.