THE M61 has reopened after a lorry crashed and burned this morning.

Police and workman from the Highways Agency spent more than 10 hours clearing the diesel spill on the northbound carriageway between junction 5 and 6.

The Scania lorry smashed into the central reservation and then careered down an embankment at about 5.15am this morning.

Other cars were damaged by debris on the road, but no-one was injured.

A 43-year-old man, understood to the the driver of the lorry, has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing a road side breath test.

He is still in custody for police questioning.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is urged to call police on 0161 8564741.

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