The M62 was closed following a multi-vehicle crash north of Manchester this morning. The incident happened on the eastbound carriageway near Simister Island, one of the busiest junctions in the area.

       At least four vehicles were involved in the incident, Greater Manchester Police reports. Police and the ambulance service were at the scene at 9.15am while National Highways closed the eastbound carriageway completely between Junction 18 (M60, M66) and Junction 19 (Middleton). There is heavy traffic in the area, including on the M60 clockwise and on the M61.

       A spokesperson for National Highways said: "Traffic has been stopped on the M62 eastbound between J18 (#M60 #M66) and J19 #Middleton due to a collision. Please be patient we'll update you as soon as we have more information."

       THIS LIVE BLOG HAS NOW CLOSED - READ OUR COVERAGE BELOW