ALL lanes of the M6 southbound have reopened after a crash earlier this afternoon, leaving 'severe' delays.

A crash involving three vehicles had left one on its roof and is causing queues on the M6 southbound back to junction 20A.

The incident occured around 2.24pm between junction 19 for Knutsford and junction 18 for Middlewich.

A grey Citroen Xoara, a white Mercedes van and a Mitsubishi were involved in the collision.

Police initially closed two lanes, with one running within the 'smart motorway' roadworks. Traffic was briefly stopped to move vehicles to facilitate recovery.

Delays are currently around 90 minutes, and although queues are expected to ease they will remain heavy into this evening. 

Despite reports suggesting Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service had cut free a trapped person, a spokesman confirmed that crews were called but their services not required. 

One ambulance attended the scene, although no one was taken to hospital.