LIVE: M6 to be closed in both directions for HOURS after serious crash

The M6 has been shut in both directions this evening following a serious collision.

Police and paramedics are at the scene between junctions 27 and 28, near Standish, with a full closure put in place along with diversion routes.

A National Highways spokesperson said: "Lancashire Police, emergency services and National Highways Traffic Officers are on scene.

"Traffic within the southbound closure is being released from the rear of the queue.

"Screens have been requested to scene for the northbound carriageway and once installed traffic within the closure will be released past the scene."

This is a live blog. Updates to follow.

A National Highways spokesperson said:

Lancashire Police, emergency services and National Highways Traffic Officers are on scene.

Traffic within the southbound closure is being released from the rear of the queue.

Screens have been requested to scene for the northbound carriageway and once installed traffic within the closure will be released past the scene."

Traffic is queueing on the M6 as a result of the ongoing closure tonight. Long delays continue.

Follow route marked with a hollow Diamond symbol on local road signs

Traffic is seen building close to the full closure this evening. A diversion route is still in place with both sides of the carriageway shut.

Both sides of the M6 are closed this evening with a large emergency services response at the scene

National Highways Diversion Route:

Highways North West have said the carriageway will be shut for 'several hours' - into the early hours of the morning.

National Highways confirmed the incident was reported on the southbound carriageway, with police and National Highways Traffic Officers called to the scene.

A statement added: "If this