A MAN and woman have died after a serious crash on the M6 last night ­— five people have been arrested.

Police were called to the crash at around 9.55pm where a 58-year-old woman from Lancaster, who was driving a Vauxhall, was pronounced dead at the scene. A 57-year-old, also from Lancaster, who was a passenger in the same car, was take to Royal Preston Hospital but died a short time later.

Four vehicles, an Audi A4, a Vauxhall Vectra, a Volkswagen Transporter and a Citroen CX Athena were all involved in the crash.

The occupants of the Audi made off from the scene and were later arrested by police in connection with the incident.

The driver of the Volkswagen, a 47-year-old man from Ulverston and the driver of the Citroen, a 70-year-old man from Galgate, were not injured.

The crash happened northbound close to junction 31A of the M6 and the road was closed for more than six hours as a result while accident investigators attended the scene.

Police are appealing for information following the collision and urging any witnesses to come forward.

Sgt David Hurst, of Lancashire Police, said: “These are tragic circumstances and my thoughts are very much with the man and woman involved at this sad time.

“We are appealing for information following the collision and if you saw what happened and have yet to speak to police, please come forward.

“Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log reference 1407 of November 11.”

Two men aged 22 and 24, both from Wakefield, a 21-year-old woman from Abergavenny and a 24-year-old man from Ossett, West Yorkshire, have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and are in custody.

An 18-year-old woman was initially arrested by police but has since been taken to hospital having suffered a broken arm.

There are still delays in the area.