LIVE: M56 closure as air ambulance lands amid long delays after serious crash

Motorists are facing long delays this lunchtime following a serious crash.

National Highways and police have shut the M56 eastbound between junction 12 for Runcorn and junction 11 for Warrington.

There are currently four miles of congestion on approach to the scene causing 45 minute delays above the normal travel time.

Alert service Inrix reports the M56 was completely blocked until around 11.55am when traffic on the westbound carriageway was released.

An air ambulance has landed at the scene. No details have been released about the number of vehicles involved or the severity of any injuries.

This is a live blog. Scroll down for the latest updates.

Here is an updated statement from National Highways on the M56 situation.

They said:

The M56 in Cheshire was closed eastbound between J12 (Runcorn) and J11 (Warrington) due to a serious collision. The road has now been reopened however long delays remain in the area.

There is approx. 5.5 miles of congestion following this incident which is causing 80 min delays above normal travel time.

Please allow plenty of extra journey time and consider using alternative routes whilst allowing time for these delays to clear.

The latest update from National Highways makes grim reading for those stuck in the M56 traffic.

There are now six miles of congestion and 70 minute delays.

M56 air ambulance arriving pic.twitter.com/Emzo6TnkvL

There are also long delays on the M6 southbound due to planned works.

Only two lanes are running between J21 for Warrington and J20 for the M56 until 9pm Sunday evening.

National Highways reports there are currently four miles of congestion on approach causing 30 minutes delays above normal travel time.

Here is the latest traffic map of the area from the AA