LIVE: Rush hour chaos as multi-vehicle crash causes hour-long delays and miles of congestion on motorway - latest updates

Drivers are facing rush hour chaos this evening after a multi-vehicle crash caused huge delays on the M66 near Rawtenstall.

Emergency services are on the scene of the collision on the A56 northbound between the M66 and A682. Traffic is currently down to one lane.

The latest update from Highways North West says there are delays of at least an hour with congestion backed up for seven miles this evening.

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Lancashire Police and the North West Ambulance Service have been approached for more details of this ongoing incident.

This is a live incident. Updates below.

The latest update from traffic service Inrix says: "Queueing traffic and delays due to earlier accident on A56 Northbound after M66 (Ramsbottom Junction).

"Congestion to back onto the M66 at J3 (Hollins). Travel time is around 45 minutes."

Lancashire Police have confirmed three vehicles were involved in the crash this evening.

No injuries have been reported with only damaged caused to the vehicles involved.

Two vehicles have just been recovered, with one other still at the scene waiting to be moved.