HAIL storms turned the A56 in to an ‘ice rink’ last night, according to firefighters that attended a six-car collision at Rising Bridge.

A fire engine from Accrington fire station was called to the scene about 500 meters before the roundabout and three ambulances attended.

The sudden downpour at around 9.30pm rapidly changed driving conditions and six cars ran into each other.

Emergency service crews said drivers and passengers suffered only minor injuries and no rescues had to be made but the road was closed for three quarters of an hour while cars were recovered from grass verges and the surface of the road made safe.