MOTORISTS are being advised to avoid the M53 motorway after two separate collisions involving an estimated 15 vehicles this morning.

Police say the first happened on the south-bound carriageway near junction four at Clatterbridge at 9.15am.

They add that five vehicles were involved and two drivers and passengers taken to hospital by both road and air ambulance with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

The second incident happened in the south-bound carriageway near junction three, Woodchurch just over an hour later.

Earlier reports from the Highways Agency suggested two vehicles were involved. But police say nine are believed to have been involved, including a heavy goods vehicle.

A number of people suffered injuries and are receiving medical treatment at the scene.

The southbound carriageway is completely closed between junction 3 at Woodchurch and junction 4 at Clatterbridge.

Motorists already on that stretch are being directed by police officers onto a contra-flow system.

Those yet to set off on their journey are advised to avoid this part of the M53 completely as road closures are expected to remain in place while collision investigation work is carried out.

The north-bound carriageway between junctions four and three is down to two lanes as emergency services use lane three for their vehicles.

Traffic is moving but the north-bound carriaway is busy and motorists are advised to be patient.

Witnesses to either collision can call 101.