LONG delays were experienced by commuters after a crash and spillage on the M61 near Horwich.

Tailbacks got worse when the handbrake stuck on a vehicle in the queue in the third lane. That caused major tailbacks at around 6pm on Tuesday.

Recovery teams attended the crash on the southbound carriageway between Junction 6 for Bolton (North) and Horwich A6027 and Junction 8 at Chorley A674 (A6).

Highways England said traffic officers and recovery teams moved vehicles from the outside lane on to the hard shoulder.

One lane was closed in both directions while Highways North West carried out emergency repairs to the central barrier.

Highways England said on Twitter: "A vehicle remains in lane three that cannot be cleared due to its handbrake being stuck on.

"Vehicle recovery are on scene, along with our traffic officers."

The incident was cleared last night.