LIVE: A56 blocked after lorry smashes into central reservation and overturns – updates

Queues are building a main road near Greater Manchester this afternoon after a lorry smashed into the central reservation.

Drivers are being warned to ‘expect delays’ on the A56 and M65 at junction 8 as emergency services race to the scene. The A56 is closed northbound between the A680 Rising Bridge and the A679 Huncoat. Southbound it is closed from the M65 (J8) to A680 Rising Bridge.

National Highways said a lorry has collided with the central reservation causing ‘extensive damage’. The condition of anyone involved is not yet known.

Lancashire Police have warned closure is expected to last ‘for some time’.

This is a live blog with updates to follow below: