THE M6 was closed in both directions on Wednesday after 32,000 litres of gin spilled onto the motorway.

An accident involving two lorries was reported on the northbound carriageway between junction 20 at Lymm and junction 19 at Knutsford at around 5.30pm.

A huge amount of gin leaked from one of the HGVs, with the motorway also closed southbound for safety reasons.

The road reopened in the early hours of Thursday. Nobody was injured.

Five fire engines have attended to help with the cleanup.

A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Shortly before 5.30pm firefighters were called to reports of a collision on the M6 northbound.

“On arrival at the scene the crews discovered the incident involved two HGVs.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

“One of vehicles involved was a tanker carrying approximately 32,000 litres of concentrated gin, which is leaked onto the carriageway.

“Due to the flammability of the alcohol, a decision was taken to close the motorway in both directions as a precautionary measure.

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“Firefighters are currently working hard to stem the leak.

“Crews are also coating the spilt alcohol with foam to prevent it from igniting."