BIRKENHEAD tunnel has reopened after a three car collision led to it being closed for four hours.

Three people have been taken to hospital following the smash, which caused long tailbacks on both sides of the Mersey.

Witnesses described seeing a large number of emergency services, including police and ambulances, entering the Queenswa tunnel shortly after 2.20pm today, Friday.

The crash happened in the middle of the tunnel, forcing authorities to close it in both directions.

Merseytravel said two people have suffered minor injuries while a third has had more serious but not life-threatening injuries.

North West Ambulance Service sent two rapid response vehicles, two ambulances and a Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene of the crash.

It is understood they transferred one person to hospital on a spinal board.

Traffic was diverted to the Wallasey tunnel, which caused chaos on the approach roads.

Motorists are advised that both tunnels are still busier than normal following the crash.