LIVE: M6 closed southbound following incident and fuel spillage

There are long delays onthe M6 in our region this afternoon after crashes.

The M6 is currently fully blocked on the southbound carriageway near Wigan. It is shut between junction 27 and junction 26 due to 'an accident and fuel spillage'.

Emergency services are on the scene. Drivers are being urged to 'plan ahead'.

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A tweet posted by National Highways said: "INCIDENT The #M6 is currently blocked southbound between J27 & J26 near #Wigan due to a collision. Lanes 2 & 3 (of 3) are also closed northbound. Emergency services are in attendance. Please plan ahead and approach with caution."

Earlier there were 'severe delays' on the M62 westbound between junction 22 for Rishworth Moor and junction 21 for Milnrow. According to traffic alert service Inrix, there has been a vehicle fire.

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Road users are being advised to follow the solid black square diversion symbol on local road signs.

The below diversion routes have been given to motorists on the M6:

Non-HGV route includes a low railway bridge 12'0" (3.6m) and narrow canal bridge:

Leave the M6 at J27.

At the roundabout take the first exit and join the A5209. Follow the A5209 for approx. 0.8km.

At the junction with the B5206 turn right onto the B5206 southbound (Shevington Lane) and follow for approx. 5.8km.

At the junction with the A577 turn left and join the A577 eastbound (Orrel Road) and follow for 0.5km.

At M6 J26 turn right onto the access road and follow for approx. 1.0km

At the roundabout