THREE people have been taken to hospital following an accident involving three vehicles on the A49.

Newton Road was closed in both directions for much of the day between Hermitage Green and Hollins Lane but was reopened for rush hour after accident investigation work had been completed.

Police and firefighters were called to shortly before 7am.

One person was already out of their vehicle but two others had to be released by firefighters.

All three were taken to Aintree Hospital in Liverpool.

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The delays affected traffic between Newton-le-Willows and Winwick.

Traffic was congested on surrounding routes, especially the A573 Golborne Road