THE M57 in Knowsley remains closed in both directions after reports of a "serious crash".

The incident, involving a car and a lorry, happened on the motorway’s Southbound carriageway last night (Friday) between junction six (Kirkby) and seven (Switch Island).

The road was shut in both directions at 9.15pm as emergency services worked on the road.

By Saturday morning, the closure had been in place for more than nine hours.

Both North West Motorway Police and Highways Agency North West issued statements confirming there had been a serious incident which had caused the closure.

Highways Agency North West stated: “Merseyside Police are on scene and the closure is expected to be protracted and in place for a considerable time.”

Diversion

Diversion Routes Road users are advised by the Highways Agency to follow the follow triangle diversion symbol on southbound road signs: * From the M57 J7 island, join the A5036 southbound 

* At the A5036/Park Lane junction, turn left on to Park Lane

* At the junction with the A59, turn left on to the A59

* Hall Lane junction, turn left on to Hall Lane and continue until the junction with the A506

* Turn left on to the A506 and rejoin the M57 at J6 Road users are advised to follow the solid square diversion symbol on northbound road signs:

* Leave the M57 at J6, and take the 1st exit on to the A506

* At the junction with Hall Lane, turn right on to Hall Lane

* At Hall Lane /A59 junction, turn right on to the A59 northbound - Low railway bridge 14'1" (4.3m) on this section

* Travel on the A59 towards Switch Island