THREE women were taken to hospital after a crash which closed the M56 last night, Tuesday.

Emergency services were called to the scene of the accident between junction 12 at Runcorn and junction 14 at Hapsford at about 6.10pm.

The westbound carriageway was closed while firefighters, paramedics and police attended.

The collision involved three cars and one person had to be cut free from their vehicle by firefighters.

Three casualties were then taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital and their injuries are not believed to be life threatening at this stage.

Motorists experienced long delays which affected drivers heading out of the town. 

Four fire engines, two ambulances and a senior paramedic were sent to the incident and firefighters spent two hours on the scene.