M61 crash LIVE updates as motorway fully shuts with air ambulance at scene

The M61 was shut both ways following a serious crash. The motorway was closed off in both directions following a crash on the M61 northbound at junction four, near Farnworth, this morning (February 20). It follows a crash involving two cars and a lorry, according to Greater Manchester Police.

An air ambulance is due to land at the scene, National Highways says, with stationary traffic on the road and queues growing. Click here to prioritise Manchester news in Google from the MEN[1] A GMP spokesperson said: "We are responding to a collision involving two cars and an HGV.

The scene is currently ongoing, and the motorway is closed in both directions. There does not appear to be any serious injuries." Traffic cameras show queues backing up to the Kearsley Spur, for traffic joining the M61 northbound.

A post from the Inrix traffic monitoring service said: "M61 in both directions closed, long delays due to accident from J3 (Kearsley Spur) to J4 A6 Watergate Lane (Farnworth)." The motorway reopened southbound just before 9.30am but the northbound side remains shut. Emergency services were also dealing with a second crash further north on the M61.

All traffic was stopped between junctions eight at Chorley and nine for the M65. It follows a 'multi-vehicle collision', according to National Highways. This incident has since cleared.

This is a live event.

Follow the latest updates below.

References

1. ^ Click here to prioritise Manchester news in Google from the MEN (www.google.com)