TRAFFIC is said to be returning to normal slowly after two accidents   one involving four cars brought chaos to the M61 earlier this afternoon.

Motorists were at a standstill on the M61 northbound from junction four, A6 Watergate Lane, Farnworth to junction five, A58, Snydale Way, Westhoughton just over an hour ago.

Traffic was backed up to the Kearsley Spur.

One of the accidents involved about four cars at the central reservation, with emergency services in attendance.

The road was cleared just before 3.30pm, and drivers can expect some delays

They other accident further up was said to involve a single car. The car has been moved to the hard shoulder.