A COLLISION between two lorries caused traffic to stop on a section of the M56 near Chester.

North West Motorway Police has reported the incident as being between Junction 15 (M53 interchange) and Junction 16 (Dunkirk), where the motorway becomes the A494.

It has been confirmed one of the lorries was carrying livestock.

The collision, said to have happened in the second lane, had closed the westbound carriageway since 2.55pm, with delays reported on the adjoining M53 motorway.

Police and highways teams were deployed to the scene.

Trapped traffic has now been released and has been permitted to use the hard shoulder to get by the scene of the incident.

Motorists were advised by Highways England to follow the diversions in place and allow extra time for their journey.

A Cheshire Constabulary spokesperson said: "At 2.39pm officers were called to reports of a collision on the westbound carriageway of the M56 at Stoak.

"Officers attended the scene and found there had been a collision between two HGVs.

"The road was temporarily blocked as a result of the incident. However the closure has now been lifted and traffic is being diverted via the hard shoulder.

"There are no reports of any serious injuries at this time and there are no reports of any traffic delays."