POLICE are hunting a driver who fled after smashing a stolen car into barriers on a motorway slip road.

The link road connecting the M61 southbound to the East Lancs Road remains shut following the crash involving a silver Chevrolet Captiva at about 4.40am this morning.

Officers say the vehicle was stolen from the Clifton area of Salford shortly before the crash.

The driver fled the scene, and police say they want to hear from anyone who saw a man in dark clothing walking near junction 13 of the M60 around the time of the collision.

There are no reported injuries at this time, although the road remains sealed off back to Kearsley Spur as a result of debris being strewn along a 100 metre stretch of road.

No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

The closure caused long delays for commuters on St Peter's Way and the M61 southbound this morning, with traffic building up as far back as junction five for Westhoughton.

Traffic is also being affected in Kearsley, Walkden and Worsley.

Drivers are being advised to seek alternative routes.

PC Phil Raymond, of GMP’s Salford district, said: “I’d like to thank the public for their patience as we respond to this incident.

“The road remains closed so that essential work can take place to ensure the road surface and crash barriers are made safe following the collision.

“Our enquiries to trace the driver continue and I would urge any members of the public with information, or anyone with dashcam, to get in touch with police as soon as possible.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw a man in dark clothing walking near junction 13 of the M60 around the time of the collision."

Anyone with information should contract police on 0161 856 6108.