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Desperate holidaymakers abandoned cars and taxis to drag their suitcases three miles to the airport after getting stuck in a motorway traffic jam.

Police had shut the M56 near Manchester as officers tried to talk a man safely down from a bridge during the incident at around 6.30pm on Sunday.

But as the hours passed, families feared they were in danger of missing their flights.

And despite appeals from the police to stay inside their vehicles, many decided to collect their belongings and make a dash for it.

Some were seen wheeling their suitcases along the hard shoulder.

Others scrambled up the motorway embankment and climbed over fences, before trekking three miles to Manchester Airport across fields.

(Image: Eamonn & James Clarke) (Image: Eamonn & James Clarke)

All lanes of the motorway were closed after a man was spotted dangling his legs over a bridge close to junction four, near Wythenshawe, yesterday evening.

With minutes a huge line of traffic had built-up and drivers started getting out of their cars and were seen pacing up and down the tarmac.

(Image: Eamonn & James Clarke)

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Traffic on surrounding routes ground to a halt and police warned drivers to avoid the area.

The North West Motorway Police took to Twitter to issue a warning: “Closures will remain but if are trapped in the tail back. RETURN TO YOUR VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY we will be getting you moving in next few mins.”

Thirty minutes later, as more people started to abandon taxis taking them to the airport, Highways England tweeted: “#M56 J2-J5. Please be patient if stuck in the closure. @NWmwaypolice and our officers are working to get you out.”

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A number of drivers posted messages of thanks and support for the emergency services that came to help resolve the situation.

The North West Motorway Police said the man was taken to hospital by ambulance for ongoing care and support at around 9pm.