Police are urging motorists to avoid the M61, near Chorley, after a crash involving four vehicles.

The northbound carriageway is closed at junction eight and traffic is building in the area.

Police, the fire service and an ambulance are at the site of the crash after being called at around 4.30pm today (August 1).

A police spokesperson said a vehicle crashed into the central barrier near junction eight. The driver is being treated for injuries.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: “M61 northbound J8-J9 near Chorley is closed due to a collision involving four vehicles.

“Police are working at scene with the fire service. An ambulance is en route.

“There are two miles of congestion on approach and approximately 15 minute delays.

A police spokesperson said: “We are currently at the scene of a serious collision on the M61.

“We were called at around 4.30pm today close to junction eight.

“The northbound carriageway is completely closed at junction eight, Chorley, and traffic is backed up in both directions.

“We would advise motorists avoid the area and find alternative routes where possible.

“We attended and found a vehicle had collided with the central barrier. The driver is being treated at the scene for injuries.

“The motorway is currently closed northbound and traffic is already building up in both directions around the junction, so motorists are being advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes.”