Merseyside Roads Policing Unit is appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision on the M6 this morning, Wednesday 10th January.

Officers from the North West Motorways Policing Group (NWMPG) attended at J26 on the northbound carriageway at Orrell, near Wigan, at around 7.50am following reports of a multi-vehicle collision involving three heavy goods vehicles.

One of the HGV drivers was pronounced dead at the scene. Work is ongoing to identify the male and trace his next of kin.

The northbound carriageway has been closed to allow investigation work to be carried out and traffic is currently being diverted off the motorway at J23 at Haydock. Traffic also remains heavy on the East Lancashire Road (A580).

Officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information which could assist the investigation to contact MSOC Roads Policing Officers on 0151 777 5747 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

For ongoing travel advice and details of road closures and diversions please follow @nwmwaypolice or @highwaysNWEST on Twitter