POLICE are still trying to trace the driver of a car that ended up in a ditch following a three car collision on the M62.

Following a period of heavy rain and hail, the incident happened near to the Rainhill junction shortly before 9pm on Saturday (March 23).

A police spokeswoman said: “Three vehicles were involved. One ended up in the central barrier, one in an outside lane and the third in a ditch.

“The occupant in the third car left the scene and enquiries are ongoing to trace the person.”

She said there were no reports of serious injuries.

Crews were later called to a second crash nearby involving a HGV and a car. A woman passenger was cut free from the car and taken to hospital.

The M62 betwen Rainhill and Burtonwood had to be closed while emergency crews dealt with both incidents.