Drivers are being urged to avoid a popular motorway route following a serious accident with Greater Manchester Police officers in attendance.

The M62 is closed eastbound between J18 (M60, M66) and J19 (Middleton) following a serious collision as emergency services attend the scene.

National Highways: North-West has warned that delays are likely on the approach to the closure and diversion routes.

Traffic maps show that the event is expected to clear within the next hour, although it will take longer for normal traffic conditions to return.

Drivers are being told to seek alternative routes as the carriageway remains closed

Surrounding roads along the M66, A627, A663 and the A6104 are also dealing with slow-moving traffic as a result of the accident and backlogged congestion.

National Highways has urged motorists in the area to follow the diversion route, which is displayed with the hollow triangle symbol on road signs.

The accident has caused traffic issues on surrounding roads

National Highways has outlined a diversion route for drivers on the M62