THE M56 has been closed after a driver was seriously injured in a crash.

Police have put a full closure in place following a road traffic incident between junction 9 and junction 10 westbound.

Officers were called at 12.25pm to reports of a white Mercedes sprinter van which is believed to have collided with the central reservation.

Emergency services including the air ambulance are at the scene and the driver remains in a serious condition.

Traffic is very heavy and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

One lane has been reopened to try to clear traffic but long delays have been reported.

Diversions are in place. 

At 3.45pm the council confirmed that the M56 westbound remains closed between the M6 and A49 London Rd.

A spokesman added vehicles that would normally travel north along the M6, then on to the M56 westbound, are leaving the M6 at junction 22 at Winwick and passing through the town.

This is causing congestion around Bridge Foot, Wilderspool Causeway and Chester Road in Warrington.

Traffic officers believe the incident will not clear until after rush hour.

The road reopened at around 4.55pm but lane three, of three, remains closed in both directions to allow for emergency barrier repairs.