DRIVERS using the M53 faced delays of more than two hours following an accident in which a 42-year-old lorry driver from Manchester died.

His tanker hit a crash barrier on the hard shoulder of the M53, near to junction nine at Ellesmere Port, on Monday afternoon.

The carriageway was closed while Highways' Agency staff checked the wagon, reopening after 6pm. Investigations to establish the cause of the incident are underway and a witness appeal has been launched.

Brian Hensby, operations manager for the Highways Agency's traffic service, said, "Traffic Officers from Knutsford were the first on the scene at this incident and immediately took charge of the situation, alerting the emergency services and trying to help the driver.

"We would like to publicly praise the actions of our two traffic officers in raising the alarm so swiftly and by attempting to revive the driver who sadly died in spite of their efforts and those of paramedics. Needless to say our thoughts are with the family and friends of this man."