A motorway near Preston has been reopened after a serious crash.

It is understood a car has turned onto its roof between Junction 3 (Kirkham) and Junction 1 of the M55 and gone down an embankment.

Police have closed the motorway eastbound (towards Preston from Blackpool) for more than two and a half hours while they investigated.

The motorway is due to reopen shortly after 8.30pm.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service were called out to reports shortly before 4pm of a person trapped in a vehicle.

Three fire crews cut a driver from their car on the M55.

Crews from Fulwood, Wesham and Blackpool were scrambled to a field near the motorway.

A car was on its roof in a field just off the motorway.

A swift water rescue team also attended and searched water nearby for any additional categories.

The driver was taken to hospital after being cut free from the wreckage.

Diversions are in place through the Western edge of Preston, which are seeing heavier than usual traffic. The westbound carriageway is open and traffic is running normally.