'Serious' crash on M6 motorway forces three lanes to close near Preston

Three lanes were closed on the M6 northbound at junction 31A (Haighton Interchange) due to a "serious collision" today (August 27).

Emergency services including police, firefighters and paramedics were reportedly called to the incident - which occurred at around 4.10pm.

A caravan - which allegedly rolled as a result of the collision - blocked the carriageway, resulting in severe delays and queues of around "four miles" in the area.

Traffic had also been building on the M55 eastbound as a result of the lane closures, but Highways England have now confirmed all lanes have reopened.

A spokesman for Highways England said: "All lanes now open. Thanks for your patience"

Firefighters using cutting equipment rescued one person who had become trapped inside the vehicle towing the caravan.

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Three fire engines from Preston and Fulwood were called to a road traffic collision involving a car towing a caravan on the M6 northbound.

"Firefighters used cutting equipment to release a person who was trapped inside the vehicle. Crews were at the scene for 15 minutes."

North West Ambulance Service confirmed they had sent a "number of resources" to the scene, but it is not yet known if anyone was injured.

More to follow...