A LORRY driver from Selby has been arrested after two pedestrians were knocked down and killed on one of the UK’s busiest motorways.

The tragedy, which claimed the lives of two men, happened at 11.15am today between junctions 17 and 18 of the M6 near Sandbach, in Cheshire.

They were hit by a heavy goods vehicle on the northbound carriageway of the motorway, with the 60-year-old driver of the lorry subsequently being arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after being taken to hospital, although it is not known how serious his injuries were.

Cheshire Police were tonight continuing their investigation into the cause of the collision, but the force says it is currently unclear why it happened. The men who died have yet to be identified.

Following the crash north of Stoke-on-Trent, an empty car was left parked on the hard shoulder of the motorway near the scene, and Chief Inspector Luke McDonnell, who attended the scene, said it is believed the men were travelling in two cars in convoy and had stopped on the hard shoulder.

“It is too early to tell, but we are looking at the possibility that both had gone to attend to one of the vehicles when the incident happened,” said a police spokesman.

The Highways Agency were hoping to reopen the route at about 8pm today.