SHIPS and lorries have been diverted after a quay wall collapsed at Runcorn Docks.

It could take up to two months to repair the damage on the Manchester Ship Canal.

A stretch of wall estimated between 20 and 30 foot long fell into the water, closing the quay to shipping.

It is not known what caused the collapse.

Work to repair the damage is to begin soon.

A spokesperson from Peel Ports Group said: “I can confirm that on Sunday January 15 we experienced a partial collapse of the quay wall at Runcorn.

“As a precautionary step, we stopped the movement of vessels on or around Quay 7.

"However, we must emphasise that the measures we have taken to secure the site means there is no significant risk to either staff or members of the public. Where possible staff have been deployed to other areas of the business.

“Our team has already identified a design solution and is preparing to start work imminently. It is expected that this essential work will take around 4-6 weeks to complete.

“We are also making good progress on contingency plans to service customers by offering alternative solutions within the port estate. And we will continue to keep our stakeholders fully updated on the progress of the necessary works until the process is complete.”