LIVE: 'Major incident' declared in Cumbria with roads 'impassable' and 'large numbers' of cars 'stranded' in heavy snow - latest updates
Cumbria Police has declared a 'major incident' because of heavy snowfall on the county's roads - and said people should only travel where necessary.
The force said a multi-agency response was ongoing on Saturday evening to 'minimise the challenges that heavy snowfall is continuing to have on the county’s road network'.
Certain roads in the Lake District have been declared as 'impassable' and there are also reports of 'a large number' of vehicles stranded on the M6.
READ MORE: Manchester United under investigation after claims raw chicken was served at Old Trafford
READ MORE: Greater Manchester's borough by borough, hour by hour weather forecast as Met Office issues snow warning
Cumbria Police said it was aware of multiple reports of vehicles stuck in traffic in the South Lakes area, particularly in the Bowness and Grizedale areas, because of snow. It added that low temperatures mean road conditions will remain challenging.
Superintendent Andy Wilkinson said: "Agencies across Cumbria are working together in response to the impact that heavy snowfall is continuing to have on the county’s roads.
We are working at pace, to help clear roads so those currently affected can get moving.
"I would urge anybody considering travelling in Cumbria tonight, to only do so if necessary. The cold temperatures forecast will make road conditions even more difficult.
Further snowfall in the Lakes is forecast.
The Met Office had issued an amber warning for snow in Cumbria throughout Saturday, saying 10-15cm of snow is possible in some areas before showers begin to ease overnight.
This is a breaking news story - we'll have live updates in our blog below.
Cumbria Police has advised motorists in the county to only travel if necessary