The M56 towards Chester has been fully reopened after a crash where a coach left the carriageway and stopped down the embankment.

Emergency services were on the scene westbound between junctions 12 at Runcorn and 14 at Hapsford .

A van was also involved in the accident as the single-decker bus left the motorway at about 9.40am on Monday (June 4).

Initially two lanes were shut, but the middle lane reopened at 11am and officers were able to fully release traffic again before midday.

Congestion had built up heading for Chester with delays of 30 minutes or more for motorists.

A Cheshire Police spokeswoman said the van driver had suffered 'minor injuries', while those on the coach were uninjured.

Officers advised drivers to avoid the area if possible, but there was also heavy traffic on the A56 through Frodsham and Helsby due to an accident involving a fire engine.

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