A COLLISION between a tanker and car is causing severe delays on the motorway this morning.

Police said a car went into the back of a tanker near Junction 17 anti-clockwise of the M60, near Prestwich, at around 6am.

Whitefield Fire Station watch manager Patrick Walsh, the officer in charge of the incident, said: "A Fiat Punto collided with the rear of a tanker carrying a very flammable, explosive liquid called vinyl chloride monomer or VCM.

"There was no leakage of liquid or vapour.

"Nobody was injured and crews removed the front of the car from underneath the tanker, with cutting gear in use, and it was left with Highways England to recover the vehicles."

The man driving the Punto managed to climb out of the crashed car before firefighters arrived.

Fire crews from Whitefield, Blackley and Broughton were on scene for an hour.

#M60 ACW at J17, 2 lanes closed due to collision. Delays building on the M62 WB from J19. Pls allow extra time #TrafficOfficers are on scene

Two lanes are currently closed and there are long delays building on the M62, as well as the M66 and the opposite carriageway.