A MOTORIST who was arrested after a serious crash which closed Winwick Road yesterday morning has been released by police.

The A49 was shut northbound between junction nine of the M62 and Cromwell Avenue following the incident shortly after 6.30am on Thursday, May 21.

Eyewitnesses reported a huge police presence, with paramedics also on the scene near to the Motormill car dealership.

A BMW 1 Series and a bicycle were involved in the collision, with the rider of the latter having been rushed to Aintree Hospital after suffering serious injuries.

His condition is described as stable.

The driver of the vehicle, a 41-year-old man from Warrington, was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences – including causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving under the influence of drugs and possession of a class A drug.

But he has since been released by Cheshire Police pending further enquiries by the force.

It has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over the incident, having come into contact with the car earlier that morning.

Officers are appealing for information and dashcam footage from members of the public.

Heavy traffic was reported as a result of the collision, with motorists having been warned to avoid the area.

The route was then reopened at around 11am.

Anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting incident number IML709844.