Man dies after driving car wrong way on M6

Police have thanked drivers for their "patience" as they dealt with long delays

A man has died in a crash after driving the wrong way on the M6 between Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

Lancashire Police said the man's Vauxhall Astra collided with a Toyota Corolla near to Charnock Richard services just after 21:30 GMT on Sunday.

National Highways North West said the southbound carriageway of the motorway between J28 (Leyland) and J27 (Standish) was closed and warned of delays of up to 100 minutes.

The force has urged people not speculate online about the details of the crash.

A force spokeswoman said officers received a report of a car travelling the wrong direction on the southbound carriageway of the M6, near to Charnock Richard services at 21:33 GMT on Sunday.

"Minutes later, we received a report of a collision between a Vauxhall Astra and a Toyota Corolla near to Charnock Richard services on the southbound carriageway," she said.

"Sadly, the driver of the Astra, a man in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

"The driver and the passenger of the Corolla, both men in their 40s, were taken to hospital with serious injuries where they remain."

She added that an investigation was under way, but "at this stage, we understand that the Vauxhall Astra was travelling in the wrong direction".

'Refrain from speculating'

Sgt Rebecca Price from the force's road policing unit said the force's thoughts were with the "loved ones" of the man who died.

She said the investigation was "very much in its early stages" and officers were conducting a number of inquiries, "some of which will require assistance from the public".

"We know that this collision has had a significant impact on traffic in the area," she said.

"We thank those of you who were stuck in the traffic or had your route delayed for your patience whilst we responded to the incident."

Drivers have been warned to expect delays of up to 100 minutes

She said officers wanted to hear from "anyone who was travelling on the motorway, and may have witnessed, or have dashcam footage of the collision".

"We're also keen to see any footage from Blackpool Road in Preston, at around 21:15, where we believe the Astra may have been involved in a damage-only collision."

Two out of three lanes were also closed on the northbound carriageway.

Drivers were warned to expect delays currently 100 minutes above usual journey times.

Sgt Price added that while there had "understandably" been "some discussion in the local community... I want to take this time to ask that you please refrain from speculating online or otherwise".

"Please remember that there are real people who have been affected by this collision who may see your comments online," she said.