It has been a day of chaos for drivers using the M56, after two separate incidents brought traffic to a standstill.

Police had to shut the motorway in both directions between junctions 12 and 14 after receiving a call just before 3pm regarding concerns for the welfare of a man on a bridge, leaving motorists stranded in their cars in blazing hot sunshine whilst negotiators were called to the scene.

The M56 was shut both ways following a police incident

Hot and bothered, many motorists left their cars to sit on the road as they waited for the incident to be resolved, with some even playing football to pass the time.

Traffic at a standstill on the M56

The man came down from the bridge at 4.45pm when police checked him over, and the road was reopened in both directions shortly afterwards, but although traffic is slowly returning to normal, drivers are still advised to avoid the motorway if possible, due to congestion.

The M56 at J12-14 was closed due to a police incident

Only a few hours before, cars had been at a standstill following a road traffic collision which closed one lane between J14 at Hapsford and J15 of the M53.

It caused congestion on the A5117 to J10 of the M53 at Little Stanney.