MOTORISTS are being warned to stay clear of the M6 in South Cheshire after two collisions this afternoon.

Both northbound and southbound carriageways have been shut between junctions 18 (Middlewich/Holmes Chapel) down to junction 16 (Crewe/Stoke-on-Trent), following collisions, one of which has seen a van driver rushed to hospital and the other a fuel tanker spill its load.

The tanker and a HGV wagon were in collision southbound near to Sandbach services around 2pm this afternoon (Tuesday) which led to fuel leaking onto the carriageway

A second collision on the southbound carriageway involved a van and a lorry. Police say the van driver has sustained "serious injuries".

Air ambulance attended as fire officers pulled the driver from his vehicle; the driver of the HGV managed to get out of his vehicle unaided.

The collisions triggered a trail of congestion onto the A50 and A5011 around Alsager while traffic built up around Crewe and Sandbach as part of diversions set up.

Cheshire Police said the closure will remain in force for some time and advised motorists to avoid the area.