THE M62 was closed in both directions by a serious crash this afternoon.

An air ambulance was called to the scene after the collision between junction eight at Burtonwood and junction seven at Rainhill at around 4.15pm today, Sunday.

Police have also attended the incident, which is believed to have involved a pedestrian and a lorry.

While the eastbound carriageway will remain closed 'for some time', the M62 westbound reopened shortly before 5.30pm after the helicopter departed.

Diversions are in place via Lingley Green Avenue, Whittle Avenue and Burtonwood Road.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "The eastbound carriageway of the M62 is closed in Rainhill between junction seven and eight this evening following a serious collision.

"The collision, involving a male pedestrian and an HGV, was reported just after 4pm.

"Emergency services are in attendance and paramedics are treating the man.

"The eastbound carriageway between junctions seven and eight is likely to be closed for the rest of this evening and a diversion is in place.

"Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes.

"The westbound carriageway has been subject to temporary closures to allow emergency services access to the scene and is expected to reopen shortly."

Anyone with information is urged to contact the force's roads policing unit on 0151 777 5747, or to call 101 quoting reference number 609 of November 22.