Two crashes in thick motorway fog

Drivers have been warned to take care in difficult conditions after at least five people were hurt in two separate pile-ups on the M6.

A section of the motorway was closed southbound on Monday after a truck and 17 cars crashed into each other by junction 26 near Wigan, Gtr Manchester.

And in Lancashire at least two lorries crashed on the southbound carriageway at junction 27 at Chorley.

The motorway was closed at Charnock Richard services.

'Long delays'

In the first crash, five people were taken to Wigan Royal Infirmary to be treated for minor injuries.

Police said at least one motorist was believed to have been seriously injured in the incident at Charnock Richard.

Both accidents were causing long delays and traffic was diverted while police dealt with the incidents.

Police in Greater Manchester and Lancashire were warned to avoid junctions 26 and 27 and to take extra care while driving in adverse weather conditions.