BREAKING: Four-mile queues after 'multi-car' smash on M56 - latest updates

Drivers are facing long delays heading away from Manchester following a 'multi-car' crash on the M56. Tailbacks of four miles have formed along the westbound carriageway near Trafford, between junctions six for Hale and seven for Bowden.

National Highways reported the crash at 7.15pm this evening (August 25). A spokesperson for National Highways North West wrote on Twitter: "M56 westbound between J6 Hale and J7 Bowden.

"A556 in the roadworks. One lane closed due to a multi-car collision. Free recovery en-route.

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"Our traffic officers are on scene. Currently causing a 30 min delay and approx. four miles of heavy congestion."

The incident has led to 'very slow traffic' in the area, according to Inrix. It comes while the M60 is also congested, following a seven-car crash on the clockwise carriageway near Prestwich, with queues from junction 17 all the way to junction seven at Stretford.

Details about the nature of the collision on the M56 are yet to be confirmed. Emergency services have been approached for comment.

This is a live event. Follow the latest updates below.

#M56 westbound between J6 #Hale and J7 #Bowdon #A556 in the roadworks. All lanes are now open, following an earlier multi-car collision. Delays have eased, now less than 10 minutes on the approach. pic.twitter.com/0r6M8sIsjq

Drivers heading away from the airport are facing delays towards Cheshire.

Drivers are faced with long delays on the M56 this evening.

#M56 westbound between J6 #Hale and J7 #Bowden #A556 in the roadworks. 1 lane closed due to a multi-car collision. Free recovery en-route. Our #trafficofficers are on scene. Currently causing a 30 min delay and approx. 4 miles