M6 motorway closed after spillage

A chunk of one of the country's busiest motorways will be closed until noon today after a diesel and bitumen spillage, police said.

The M6 was shut shortly after 1.30am after a tanker lost its load across the north and south carriageways of the M6 at junctions 18, Holmes Chapel, and junction 19, Tabley.

Police said motorists were being directed off the junctions and advised people to use alternative routes.

A police spokesman said officials would have to wait for the bitumen to dry and that the north carriageway needed to be relaid.

A police spokesman said the driver was treated at nearby Leighton Hospital for a bang to the head and cuts to his hands before being discharged.

He said it was too early to say how the crash - which saw the HGV overturn - happened.

Long delays were expected today, and tailbacks were already building up.