A "SERIOUS" that left casualties trapped has closed the M62 westbound.

A collision between two lorries and a car happened at 5.30am this morning between junctions nine for Warrington and eight for Burtonwood.

Police have confirmed one casualty has been taken to hospital with "serious injuries" following the collision.

Firefighters say the motorway will remain closed for a number of hours so drivers are advised to avoid the area.

The incident has been ongoing since about 5am.

Cheshire Police Roads and Crime Unit are beginning 'comprehensive investigations' and a 'complex recovery operation'.

One fire engine is still at the scene and Highways Agency anticipates the westbound side will remain closed, between junctions nine and seven for some time.

A diversion has been put in place as emergency services deal with the incident.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue said: “Firefighters have been called to a road traffic collision involving two heavy goods vehicles and a car.

“Cheshire Police are also in attendance and have closed the motorway.

“Crews are working to rescue casualties trapped at the scene.

“Paramedics are in attendance.”

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: "At 5.31am today police were called to a collision involving two lorries and a car on the M62 westbound between junction eight and seven.

"The westbound carriageway is currently closed between junction eight and seven while emergency services work at the scene."

A spokesman for National Highways said : "The M62 in Cheshire is closed westbound between junction nine (Warrington) and junction eight (Burtonwood) due to a serious collision involving two lorries and a car.

"Emergency services including North West Police Group are in attendance."

National Highways traffic officers are on scene helping recovery.

Barrier repairs will need to be made.

Delays of 30 minutes are reported and there is heavy congestion on roads nearby.

Diversion Route - according to National Highways North West

Traffic on the M62 this morningTraffic on the M62 this morning (Image: National Highways)
Heavy traffic has been reported on the M62 and surrounding roads, while road closures are likely to be in place throughout the morning.

Diverted traffic is advised to follow the solid diamond diversion symbol:

Exit the M62 westbound at J9

At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and follow the A49 southbound until the A574 roundabout

At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit and follow the A574 roundabout until the Westbrook Way Roundabout

Diverted traffic at this point is advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol:

At Burtonwood Road/Westbrook Way Roundabout, take third exit onto Whittle Avenue southbound and follow for 0.6km. 

At Whittle Avenue/Malvern Close Roundabout, take third exit onto Lingley Green Avenue westbound and follow for 2.2km (pass through 4 roundabouts).

At Lingley Green Avenue/A57 junction, turn right onto A57 westbound and follow for 5.6Km

At A57/M62 J7 roundabout, take second exit and rejoin M62 westbound.