Arrest after motorway horror smash leaves woman and three children seriously hurt

A woman and three children are in hospital with serious injuries following a horror smash on the M66.

The crash prompted a huge emergency service response, as two air ambulances, fire crews, multiple paramedics and police raced to the scene between junction 3 and 4 on Saturday afternoon (May 12).

In an update, GMP said a 38-year-old woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries, which are believed to be life-threatening.

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Three children were also taken to hospital with serious injuries. No further update on their condition has been provided.

A 22-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He remains in custody waiting to be quizzed by detectives.

The motorway was closed in both directions for several hours on Saturday afternoon to allow emergency services to treat the injured victims. The southbound carriageway remained shut well into the evening to allow for investigation work to be carried out by police.

Greater Manchester Police are now appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward, as they thanked "selfless" members of the public who came to the aid of those injured following the crash.

Sergeant Matt Waggett from GMP Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "Firstly, I would like to thank the members of the public who selflessly helped at the scene and called 999, as well as those who assisted when police and emergency services arrived on scene.

"I urge anyone who may have witnessed this incident to please come forward and share any footage, dashcam or mobile footage, with police. No matter how small you think it is, it could prove vital to our