Long traffic delays were caused on a major motorway through Bolton due to an accident this afternoon.

Traffic could be seen queuing up on the M61 southbound towards Manchester due to a road traffic collision.

Motorway cameras showed that traffic was stationary.

Highways reported that four cars and a van involved have been involved in the accident.

The lane was closed between junction four, near Watergate Lane, and junction three at Kearsley.

Traffic queued all the way to junction six at Horwich. There were also minor delays on the A6 as people divert the accident.

A spokesperson for GMFRS said: “At approximately 4.55pm on Tuesday, 22nd September, firefighters were called to a road traffic collision on the M61, southbound, between junctions four and three.

“Two fire engines from Farnworth station quickly attended the scene. The collision involved three cars and one van.

“Firefighters used specialist cutting equipment to extricate a woman from one of the vehicles, before her care was transferred to colleagues from North West Ambulance Service. Fire crews were in attendance for one hour and ten minutes.”

A Transport for Greater Manchhester spokesman said: "One lane closed. This is due to a road traffic collision.

"Expect delays and approach with caution if you're heading this way."