Drivers on the M58 were left stranded following a police pursuit of a car on the motorway.
Traffic was brought to a halt along junctions one to three at 6:46pm following a police incident in which multiple constabularies were involved.
Lancashire Police confirmed to the ECHO that a black Volkswagen failed to stop for police, leading to a pursuit. The five occupants of the car then jumped out, abandoned the car at the roadside and fled the scene.
Four people were subsequently arrested and taken into custody.
North West Motorway Police said on Twitter: "We have had the M58 stopped in both directions between J1 & J3 due to an ongoing police incident."
The tweet went on to thank those held in queues for their patience.
Motorists shared pictures of the traffic jam, while one Twitter user, Chris Hughes said: "There were armed police crawling all over the fields alongside the motorway when I detoured down the A-road. Looked like there was a helicopter up too."
Merseyside Police have been reached for comment.
The section of motorway was reopened at 7:46pm and traffic has now been able to get moving again.
