Part of M6 through Greater Manchester closed after 'serious multi-vehicle' crash - live updates

Part of the M6 through Greater Manchester is closed after a 'serious multi-vehicle' crash. Traffic has been stopped in both directions following the crash between junction 24 for Ashton-in-Makerfield in Wigan and junction 23 for Haydock.

Emergency services, including an air ambulance, have been called to the scene. Traffic is beginning to back up heading both north and south.

National Highways North West tweeted: "Traffic has been stopped in both directions on the M6 in Greater Manchester between J24 (Ashton-in-Makerfield) and J23 (Haydock) due to a serious multi-vehicle collision. All emergency services including an air ambulance are attending. More info to follow shortly."

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Traffic monitoring service Inrix reported: "All traffic being temporarily held due to multi-vehicle accident on M6 in both directions between J24 A58 Liverpool Road (Ashton In Makerfield) and J23 A580 East Lancashire Road (Haydock)."

Live updates below...

This incident is now clear, and all lanes have now re-opened on the #M6 southbound in #GreaterManchester between J24 (#AshtonInMakerfield) and J23 (#Haydock). A 15 minute delay remains in the area with 2 miles of congestion, however this should begin to ease. pic.twitter.com/kRkxlYMXtO

Only 1 lane (of 3) is now closed on the #M6 southbound in #GreaterManchester between J24 (#AshtonInMakerfield) and J23 (#Haydock). Recovery works are ongoing at the scene.There are delays of 45 minutes on approach with 6 miles of congestion.Thank you for your patience. pic.twitter.com/zD6vbsnb1Z

Just to update you reference the earlier incident on M6 at Junction 17, the Southbound carriageway is open and flowing now.