Overview

• Emergency services were called shortly after 3pm to a single-vehicle crash on the northbound side near junction 3 in Knowsley.
• Crews found a car off the motorway that had caught fire, and an air ambulance attended alongside fire engines, ambulances and police.
• National Highways confirmed the northbound closure between J2 and J3 and said the shutdown would last throughout the evening, with the southbound side later closed as well.
• Congestion has built significantly, with queues reported back to junction 4 and traffic at a standstill in places.
• Merseyside Police are advising drivers to avoid the area as officers and National Highways clear traffic from the rear of queues, and casualty details remain unconfirmed.