The southbound carriageway is extremely busy between junction 28 for Leyland, Lancashire, and junction 27 for Standish in the same county. Tailbacks are past junction 29, which is the M65 link near Preston and Bamber Bridge.

       Emergency services are at the scene of the crash, believed to have happened near Richard Charnock Services, which is near junction 27.

       The southbound part of the services has been closed due to the shunt, Lancs Live reports.

       The road itself is open in both directions but traffic is believed to remain busy throughout the day.

       A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "One car involved, it happened at about 7.50am and we remain at the scene with emergency service partners.

       "We have closed the Charnock Richard services south on the M6 near Chorley, due to serious road traffic collision.

       "Please be aware of this when travelling in that area. We will update yourselves once we have reopened it.

       "Thank you."

       Traffic on the northbound side is also slow due to onlookers. Tailbacks are nearly back to junction 26 for Wigan, Greater Manchester.

       Alternative routes for southbound traffic include leaving at junction 28 and using the A49 south through Euxton and Bolton Green, near Chorley, to reach Standish. Then, drivers should head west on the A5209 for junction 28.

       While traffic is less busy on the northbound carriageway, drivers can leave at junction 28 and use the A49 through Bolton Green and Euxton.

       Those southbound drivers who'd planned to use Richard Charnock services will have to continue a further 35 miles or so to Knutsford Services in Cheshire at junction 19.