POLICE have issued a black ice warning to drivers after the M61 was closed due to an accident at Junction 5 A58 Snydale Way Westhoughton.

Congestion has built up after the Southbound lane had to be closed for recovery work to take place.

All lanes have now been re-opened but traffic heading towards Manchester has been affected.

Greater Manchester Police have said that no one was seriously injured in the crash, and that it is reported to have involved four vehicles.

North West Motorway Police said: "M61 Southbound - Black Ice. Our GMP Patrols are dealing with a number of RTCs (road traffic collision) on the M61.

"Just by Bolton West Services SB through to the Junction 5 - black ice please slow down if this is your journey today."

Traffic was held from around 7.15am this morning.