MOTORISTS endured delays this morning after the M57 was closed both ways because a woman had been found lying in the hard shoulder.

The closure was between junction 6 A506 (Kirkby) and J7 M58.

Merseyside Police were in attendance on the M57 near Kirkby and officers said it was not believed a vehicle was involved.

Earlir traffic bulletins suggsted she had been hit by a lorry.

A police statement read: "Officers were called at 6am today, Monday 20th March, following reports that motorists had seen a woman lying on the hard shoulder of the motorway close to the Spencers Lane bridge on the northbound carriageway near junction 6.

"An investigation is currently underway to establish how she came to be there but it is not believed a vehicle was involved.

"She has been taken to hospital for treatment for her injuries which have been described as serious.

"The southbound carriageway from Switch Island to Speke has now reopened. The northbound carriageway remains closed at this time to allow for an investigation to be carried out."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Merseyside Police on 101.