Long delays are forecast after a crash involing multiple vehicles on the M62 between Rochdale and Manchester.

All eastbound lanes near junction 18 at Simister Island have been closed by police vehicles, including a lorry, were involved in a collision on Wednesday lunchtime.

The central reservation was damaged which also meant two westbound lanes were closed after the crash, just after 12.30pm.

The closures caused long tailbacks from the M62 onto the M60 clockwise through Prestwich and Salford and the M66 southbound towards Simister Island from Bury.

A GMP spokesman said that traffic patrols were first called to reports of a collision at 12.30pm on Wednesday afternoon. It’s believed that no-one was seriously injured.

At 2pm, traffic was still being diverted from the M62 eastbound onto the M66 and M60 at Simister Island.

North West Motorway Police urged drivers to avoid the area and leave the M62 eastbound before junction 18.

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A Highways England statement at 1.47pm said: “The M62 in Greater Manchester is closed eastbound between J18 (Simister, M60, M66) and J19 (Heywood) due to a serious incident.

"North West Motorway Police Group are attending. Due to this incident there are also two lanes closed on the westbound carriageway. A diversion is in operation. Traffic should take the M60 clockwise.

“Exit at J19 and take the A576 eastbound then at the next junction turn left on to the A6045 northbound. Continue on the A6045 to Heywood and turn left on to Coronation Road. Turn right on to the A6046 and head south to J19 of the M62.

“Road users intending on using this section of road in either directions are strongly advised to consider alternative routes, if possible. Please allow additional time for your journey.