POLICE have released details of the drivers involved in the fatal M6 crash last night.

The man and woman killed in the smash are a couple believed to be in their 80s from the Hawarden area of North Wales.

They had been travelling in a silver Peugeout partner van.

Police will not release their identities until their next of kin have been informed.

The second car was a black BMW 525 being driven by a 51-year-old man from Lanarkshire who suffered chest pain and was taken by ambulance to Warrington Hospital.

The third car was a Mitsubishi space driven by a 61-year-old woman from Knutsford - not Warrington as previously thought.

The Knutsford woman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

She is currently in custody helping police with their enquiries.

The motorway was closed for six hours following the collision at 9pm causing long tailbacks.

Highways Agency officers turned around the standing traffic stuck between the scene and J21 helping to reduce the jam.

Anyone with information about the crash that could help the collision investigator is asked to call the Cheshire Police Motorway Unit on 0845 4580000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.