Drivers are being urged to avoid one of the busiest motorways in the UK following a serious collision involving a lorry and a van.

National Highways: North-West has warned that the M6 in Lancashire is closed northbound between J32 (M55) and J33 (Garstang) following the incident.

It reported that all emergency services are in attendance, including Lancashire Police, who are working alongside National Highways Traffic Officers.

At present, motorists are being warned of delays of more than 60 minutes, which could cause havoc for those travelling to work during rush hour.

Traffic maps showing the extent of the congestion along the M6

Writing on social media, National Highways warned drivers that the road is likely to be closed for some time and thanked motorists for their patience.

The M6, which remains closed, is experiencing around an hour's worth of delays, with congestion now stretching back six miles to J30 (M61).

Traffic caught up within the closure is being released past the scene of the accident as emergency services continue to deal with the incident.

National Highways is warning that the extent is expected to clear at around 11am, while normal conditions are expected to return at around 11.15am.