A HGV driver from Chorley has been arrested after a woman and a 14-year-old boy died in a multi-vehicle motorway crash.

The crash between junctions three and four of the M58 near Wigan involved an HGV, a minibus and a number of other vehicles, at about 9am on Tuesday.

The driver of the HGV, a 31-year-old-man from Chorley, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, said Lancashire Police.

A number of other people also suffered serious injuries and are being treated at hospital, added police.

A second crash happened shortly after the first incident and involved an HGV, a van and a car.

A woman and two men suffered serious injuries.

Images from the scene showed a lorry carrying scaffolding material and a number of bent and twisted cars.

Other images showed a white van had left the motorway and crashed into a nearby field.

In a statement, Lancashire Police said: "We are working closely with partner agencies and the motorway remains closed in both directions for accident investigations. Diversions are in place.

"Our thoughts are with all of those affected by today's tragic incidents.

"Anyone who is concerned that someone they know may have been involved and who needs to speak to police should call 101 quoting log number 0523 of Tuesday, January 8.

"Anyone with information about either collision should call 101 quoting log number 275 of Tuesday, January 8."

Helen Green Purnell, 48, a pharmacy assistant from Skelmersdale, saw the aftermath of the crash while out walking dogs.

She said: "All I can tell you is I saw the cars slowing down, and as I got there, there was a white van that had fallen down in to the ditch.

"It looked very serious. I've never seen anything like it in my life.

"The air ambulances were flying around. I've never witnessed anything like this before."

Highways England say both lanes will be closed for several hours between Bickerstaffe and Orrell to deal with the incident, which included a second serious collision.

A spokesman for Allied Scaffolding said: "We are fully aware of the situation and it is related to our company.

"We are in full co-operation with the police and authorities and will give them our full support.

"Our main concern at this stage is for those involved in the crash."

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An NWAS spokeswoman added that two people were taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital and the other two to Aintree Hospital. Four ambulances, two air ambulances and four senior clinicians were sent to the scene, she added.