Traffic is backed up on the M56 eastbound on the outskirts of Chester after a pile-up involving four vehicles.

The collision happened between J14 A5117 (Hapsford) and J12 A557 (Runcorn) at about 7am causing congestion back to the intersection with the M53 at junction 15.

Travel website reports delays and 'very slow traffic' although all lanes have now re-opened.

Lane three (of three) was closed but all lanes re-opened about 8.30am.

North West Ambulance Service said one patient was taken to Warrington General Hospital but their condition is unknown. However, the hospital was not put on standby.

The incident was initially reported as a seven-vehicle collision leading the service to dispatch two rapid response vehicles, an ambulance and two specialist incident units.

Accident between J12 and J14 on M56 (Monday, February 27)