There are significant delays on the M6 due to a lorry jackknifing across two lanes.

Fuel has been spilled across the road resulting in just one lane open until the motorway was fully reopened shortly after 8pm on Thursday (8 February).

The incident occurred on the northbound carriageway near Charnock Richard and was first reported around 5.30pm.

More: Driver ends up down an embankment after M6 crash

Terry Woods, assistant chief constable for Lancashire Police, said on Twitter: “Come across RTC M6 north @ Charnock Richard – lorry jackknifed across 2 lanes expect significant delays whilst fuel spillage and recovery sorted.”

Emergency services are currently advising that you find an alternative route if you have not yet started your journey.

Expect delays of up to 40 minutes as a result of the incident.

*UPDATE * #M6 Junction 27 – Jack knifed Lorry – Only ONE lane is now open past the scene of the incident @HighwaysNWEST & @LancsRoadPolice remain on scene. If you haven’t set off yet, then please find an alternative route #expectdelays @LancsPolice pic.twitter.com/qo9TqRGHso

— NW Motorway Police (@NWmwaypolice) February 8, 2018