A busy commuter road into St Helens was closed by police this morning after a pedestrian was hit by a car.

The A580 East Lancashire Road Eastbound was closed, due to the incident, from A571 Green Leach Lane to A571 Carr Mill Road. 

At around 5.25am emergency services were called to a report of a collision on the East Lancashire Road near the junction of Green Leach Lane. The driver stopped at the scene and assisted officers with their enquiries.  

Merseyside Police say that the pedestrian - who was hit by a black Ford Kuga -  remains in a serious condition.

The closure caused heavy traffic from A570 Rainford Road (Windle Traffic Lights) to A571 Carr Mill Road.

It is also affected traffic heading from Liverpool towards the M6 / Manchester, causing a very heavy build up.

Merseyside Police said earlier today: "The road is currently closed while the incident is being dealt with, and drivers are advised to find an alternative route. Thank you for your patience as we deal with this incident.

"We are appealing for any witnesses, CCTV and dash camera footage which may assist the investigation."

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook with reference 0117 of 18 November.

You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or their online form at Give information | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org).