Motorists are advised to avoid a stretch of the M56 motorway near Frodsham which has been closed in the Manchester direction following a pile-up.

The air ambulance is at the scene of the collision, which happened about midday and involves a bus with no passengers, two heavy goods vehicles and a car.

Described as a serious collision by Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service, the motorway is likely to be closed eastbound between junctions 14 and 12 for “a long time”, causing significant traffic congestion issues.

There is no information on casualties at the moment. But North West Ambulance Service has confirmed the air ambulance is on scene along with the Hazard Area Response Team (HART), two ambulances, two rapid response vehicles, senior managers and an advanced paramedic.

The Highways Agency says there is a signed diversion in operation and traffic is advised to exit the M56 E/B at J14 and follow the Solid Diamond symbol via the A5117 S/B, A56 S/B and A557 N/B to rejoin the M56 at J12.

Road users are advised to plan ahead and allow plenty of extra time to complete their journeys.