A LORRY crash which resulted in dozens of live chickens spilling out onto the M62 this morning, Wednesday, saw around 1,500 birds killed.

The lorry went into the verge side safety barrier around 4am between junction 11 at Birchwood and junction 12 at Eccles and the road was closed heading towards Manchester.

Highways Agency officials initially said most of the chickens released following the crash were quickly shepherded back into the truck. Some 6,000 were being transported on the lorry.

But North West Motorway Police has now said about 1,500 birds were killed and a number escaped.

It is thought the majority of chickens died from the impact of the crash while others escaped and were hit by cars.

Lane three of the westbound carriageway was also closed briefly. A small amount of traffic stuck behind the incident on the eastbound carriageway was released passed the scene in lane four by 5am.

The carriageway was closed until 10.40am.

All lanes were reopened around 3pm.

Drivers were being told to take the southbound M6 and eastbound M56 from junction 10 of the M62 at the Croft Interchange.