There is severe disruption on the M6 northbound in Cheshire this morning (Monday, March 7) after a lorry hit a bridge.

Highways England reports that an earlier lane closure has now been lifted between junction 16, the A500 Stoke turn-off, and junction 17 for A534 Bradwall Green, Sandbach.

The agency tweeted there is ‘very slow traffic’ following ’a serious collision’ but the congestion should start to ease soon.

North West Air Ambulance has taken one casualty to Stoke City General Hospital with head injuries.

Also in attendance were motorway police and Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service who report that the driver had been trapped in his cab. The fire service said the hard shoulder had earlier been closed in addition to the slow lane.

BBC Travel describes congestion as ‘severe’ due to ‘a vehicle striking a bridge’ about 7.45am.

Cheshire Police spokesman Daniel Hind said the collision happened about 1.5 miles north of junction 16 involving a blue and white HGV which ‘hit a bridge and has gone off the carriageway and into a field’.

Police used a rolling road block to keep traffic moving but at a controlled speed past the scene.