Three lanes are shut on the southbound carriageway in Cheshire from junction 19 for Knutsford to junction 18 for Middlewich. An HGV and blue Renault Megane collided earlier this morning near junction 18.

       Three men, including the Renault driver, have been rushed to hospital, Cheshire Police say.

       The Highways Agency says southbound drivers face long delays, reports Manchester Evening News.

       Tailbacks have reached the M56 link near Lymm.

       Traffic is being diverted through Northwich on the A556 and then the A533 through Middlewich.

       The M6 northbound carriageway is also slow due to onlookers.

       A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: "A report was received at 6.57am on Monday 16 August of a collision on M6 southbound between junction 19 to junction 18 involving a blue Renault Megane and a HGV which had left the carriageway.

       "The driver of the Renault, a man, has been taken to hospital. The extent of his injuries are not yet known. Two male passengers of the Renault car sustained minor injuries and also went to hospital as a precaution.

       "Lane closures were in place while police dealt with the incident. The scene has now been handed over to Highways Agency."