THE M6 northbound remains closed in Cheshire following a serious accident.

A crash involving a car, van and a lorry at 9.44am this morning left a woman in her 60s, a passenger in the car, seriously injured.

The car overturned and came to rest on its side.

An air ambulance was called. Emergency services including six fire engines and police attended.

Paramedics took two casualties to hospital.

The northbound carriageway is not expected to reopen before this evening’s peak traffic hours because a police-led investigation is still being carried out at the scene.

The police are now appealing for witnesses following the collision which happened at junction 16.

At 9.50am this morning, Friday 15 October, police were called to a collision involving a HGV, a van and a car.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: "The driver of a MAN HGV, carrying a blue container, is a potential witness and police are keen to locate the driver.

"Two people are believed to have been seriously injured. Emergency services remain on the scene and the northbound carriageway is closed at junction 16.

"The van and the car are being removed from the carriageway."

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage should contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 1108734.

National Highways says there are delays of at least two hours on the approach to the scene and traffic is queuing for nine miles back towards junction 14 at Stafford.

A diversion route has been signposted.

Drivers are advised to follow the solid triangle symbol.

Exit at J16. Take the 1st exit off the roundabout onto A500 westbound. At the A5020 roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A5020 northbound. At the A534 roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A534 eastbound. Rejoin the M6 at J17.