M6 has been blocked tonight - and you won’t believe why

Traffic was stopped on the M6 motorway in Cheshire tonight (Friday, January 10) after sheep got onto the motorway. The animals were on the northbound carriageway between Junction 18 for Middlewich and Junction 19 for Manchester Airport.

The incident was first reported shortly before 7.30pm. The sheep have got onto the motorway through a damaged fence and traffic was held.

A National Highways spokesperson said: "M6 northbound between J18 Middlewich and J19 A556 (M56/Manchester Airport/Manchester) Cheshire. Traffic stopped.

"Due to a damaged fence a number of sheep have escaped on to the motorway. Our traffic officers are attempting to round them up and secure them."

The animals were quickly rounded up. Delays continue in the area.

In an update at 7.40pm, a National Highways spokesperson added: "Traffic has been released but 1 lane (of 4) remains closed. 20 min delay and 2 miles of congestion."

That is the end of our live coverage of this incident. One lane remains closed northbound but delays are easing. We will post further updates if anything changes.

A National Highways spokesperson said:

Traffic has been released but 1 lane (of 4) remains closed. 20 min delay and 2 miles of congestion."

A National Highways spokesperson said the animals have got onto the motorway through a damaged fence. It is currently unclear how many sheep are currently on the M6.

A National Highways spokesperson said:

"

M6 northbound between J18 Middlewich and J19 A556 (M56/Manchester Airport/Manchester) Cheshire. Traffic stopped.

Due to a damaged fence a number of sheep have escaped on to the motorway.

Our traffic officers are attempting to round them up and secure them."