A MAN is in a critical condition in hospital after a serious crash on the M61 this afternoon.

A van left the road after hitting another vehicle on the southbound carriageway just before noon. 

The driver, a man in his 60s from Greater Manchester, is in a critical condition in Royal Preston Hospital. 

The crash, which happened on the southbound carriageway between J8 (Chorley) and J9 (M65) left the motorway closed with all lanes re-opening around four hours later. 

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward. 

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "The collision occurred on the southbound carriageway between Junctions 9 and 8 at shortly before midday when a Ford Transit van collided with a Ford Mondeo in lane three and then crossed to lane one, across the hard shoulder and down the embankment where it came to rest.

"The driver, a man in his 60s from Greater Manchester, was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital where he remains in a critical condition."

Sgt Claire Pearson, from the Road Policing Unit, said: “This incident has left a man in a serious condition in hospital and I would appeal to anyone who saw what happened to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log number 0669 of October 28th.

At the time police warned drivers not to film the incident.