LIVE: Major road closed and motorway shut after lorry overturns

One of the major routes in Lancashire has been shut off this morning following a crash. The A56 in Rossendale was closed in both directions between the A680 Manchester Road in Haslingden and junction 1 of the M66 for (Ramsbottom and Edenfield) after a lorry overturned at 5.30am. As of 9.30am, one lane on the northbound carriageway has reopened but the southbound carriageway is fully shut and is expected to remain so 'for some time'.

The closure continues onto a southbound section of the M66, travel services say, with long delays. A picture from the scene shows a lorry on its side. A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: "At 5:32am today we were called to reports of a one vehicle collision on the A56, near Rossendale.

"It was reported a HGV had overturned, blocking the central reservation. "Emergency services attended and the A56 is currently closed in both directions between Edenfield and Haslingden. "The driver and passenger of the HGV suffered minor injuries."

Lancashire Police say the road will likely 'be closed for some time' and they are recommending drivers find alternative routes. Travel service Inrix said at 9.30am: "A56 Southbound closed, queueing traffic due to accident, a lorry involved from A680 Manchester Road (Haslingden) to M66 (Ramsbottom Junction, Edenfield). "Congestion to Holcombe along the B6214 with diverting traffic.

There are delays along Bury Road and Market Street between Edenfield and Haslingden.

"The M66 is also closed from the A56 to J1."

This is a breaking news story and we will bring you updates as we get them in the live blog below