DRIVERS are being advised to avoid the M6 in Cheshire following a collision between a lorry and a tanker on the northbound carriageway, causing a leak onto the motorway.

The M6 is currently closured in both directions between junction 18 at Middlewich and junction 19 at Knutsford, and Highways England is working with the emergency services at the scene.

Diversions are in place and drivers are being advised to use alternative routes as the incident is expected to affect the motorway for several hours.

Live traffic information is being provided by Highways England at www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information, on Twitter at @highwaysnwest and on roadside electronic signs.