AN oil spillage on the M53 has caused widespread commuter disruption near Chester and Ellesmere Port this morning (Wednesday, February 26).

The main southbound carriageway of the motorway was closed at junction 10 (A5117 Little Stanney) following the spillage, which happened at about 6.20am after a black Mercedes was in collision with the central reservation barrier.

In addition, the North West Motorway Police Twitter account had reported "a number" of road traffic collisions in the area.

North West Amulance Service confirmed one rapdi response vehicle had been deployed to the scene, with three patients assessed, though none required hospital treatment.

The closure caused traffic chaos all along the Ellesmere Port section of the motorway, with tailbacks at one point stretching as far back as junction 5 (Eastham).

As a result, there were further rush-hour delays as motorists have tried to find alternative routes through Childer Thornton and Great Sutton along the A41 Chester Road and the A540 Parkgate Road from the Two Mills Traffic Lights.

Traffic on the motorway is being diverted via the exit and entry slip roads.

Disruption from the incident is being felt as far away as Chester city centre, where traffic was considerably heavier than usual during rush-hour.