THE M6 was closed for hours in both directions last night, Monday, after a driver involved in a crash fled to a nearby bridge.

Police were called to the three-vehicle crash at 6.46pm, on the southbound carriageway between junctions 19 for Knutsford and 18 for Middlewich.

The motorway was closed in both directions for around two-and-a-half hours.

A spokesman said: "Officers attended the scene and found that the driver of one of the vehicles had fled the scene climbed onto a nearby bridge.

"Due to concerns for the safety of the man a full closure of the motorway was put in place while officers engaged him.

"The man came down from the bridge shortly after 9pm and was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of illegal drugs and causing a public nuisance.

"The 27-year-old from Warrington is currently being held in police custody assisting officers with their enquiries.

"There were no reports of any injuries as a result of the incident."