A MAN in his 70s has been airlifted to hospital following a serious collision on the A49 near Tarporley.

The road was shut in both directions as a result of the incident, which involved a tractor and trailer, and a HGV.

Cheshire Police confirmed that the collision occurred on the A49 Tarporley Road at its junction with Utkinton Lane.

The driver of the tractor wasd released from his vehicle by firefighters before being flown to hospital.

A North West Ambulance Service spokesman said: "A man in his 70s has been airlifted to Aintree hospital with arm and chest injuries."

A Cheshire Police spokeswoman added: "At 8.41am this morning (Monday 21 June) emergency services were called to a collision on the A49 Tarporley Road Cotebrook.

"The collision involved a tractor and trailer, and a HGV at the junction with Utkinton Lane.

"The driver of the tractor has been taken to hospital with serious injuries. The road remains closed while the vehicles are recovered."

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Shortly after 8.30am firefighters from Tarporley Road were called to reports of a collision on the A49 in Cotebrook.

"Firefighters attended the scene and found there had been a collision between a tractor and a HGV at the junction of Utkinton Lane.

"The crew used specialist cutting equipment to release the driver of the tractor who was trapped in his vehicle; he was then passed to the care of paramedics.

"Firefighters were detained at the scene for around two hours."

Heavy traffic built up as a result of the incident and police urged motorists to avoid the area.

The road eventually reopened at around 2am.

Cheshire Police posted on social media just after the collision: "We’re at the scene of a collision on the A49 Tarporley Road Utkinton, at its junction with Utkinton Lane.

"Road closures are being put in place including Tarporley roundabout. Please avoid the area."