TRAFFIC has been released on the M62 after a serious collision involving multiple cars.

Emergency services were called to Simister Island, junction 18 of the major Transpennine motorway, shortly before 12.30pm. 

All lanes of the eastbound carriageway were closed after the crash, with the outer lane of the westbound carriage also closed to allow crews access to the scene.

Now, all closures have been lifted - although delays are still expected across the network. 

Over 5.5 miles of queues were reported after the smash, with congestion backing up to Clifton Interchange at junction 16 of the M60.

Bus services around the Heywood and Langley area were also experiencing delays, with Diamond's 163 service affected by the congestion. 

Traffic is not expected to return to its normal flow until 3pm at the earliest. 

Drivers can still expect delays, and may find it easier to avoid the M60 clockwise area from junction 13 to junction 18, where average traffic speeds have dropped to 30mph. 

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Emergency services are currently responding to a collision on the M62 eastbound between junctions 18 and 19. 

"The eastbound carriageway is closed and lane closures are in place on the westbound carriageway. 

"Drivers are being asked to avoid the area."

Anyone with information should contact police quoting incident 1135 of August 5. 

Alternatively, the indepedent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.