A MOTORCYCLIST has died after a crash which shut the M62 in both directions in the early hours.

The collision shortly before 12.30am today, Sunday, saw the westbound carriage of the motorway shut between junction seven at Rainhill and junction six at Tarbock Island.

And the M62 eastbound was then closed in order to allow emergency services to deal with the incident, with police and paramedics having attended the scene.

Merseyside Police have since confirmed that a 23-year-old man, the rider of a red Suzuki motorbike involved in the accident, has died as a result of his injuries.

Meanwhile a 36-year-old man, who was driving a black Audi A4, was rushed to hospital after suffering serious injuries - but his condition is described as stable.

The motorway reopened eastbound shortly after 1pm and at around 2.30pm westbound.

A force spokesman said: "We can confirm an investigation is underway following a fatal collision in Huyton in the early hours today, Sunday.

"At around 12.20am, officers were called to the M62 westbound between junctions six at Tarbock Island and seven at Rainhill Stoops following reports of a collision involving a black Audi A4 car and a red Suzuki motorbike.

"The rider of the motorbike, a 23-year-old man, was taken to hospital for treatment but sadly pronounced dead a short time later.

"The driver of the car, a 36-year-old man, was also taken to hospital where his condition is described as serious but stable.

"His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers at this time.

"Anyone who witnessed the collision, or has any CCTV or dashcam footage, is asked to contact @MerPolCC, the roads policing unit on 0151 777 5747 or 101 quoting reference 21000262447 or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."