MOTORISTS are being advised to keep clear of the M6 near Sandbach and Crewe following a three-vehicle collision earlier today (Friday).

National Highways said northbound carriageway between junction 16 Crewe/Stoke and junction 17 Sandbach is not expected to reopen before a police investigation is completed into the collision between a HGV, a van and a car at 9.50am.

Diversions are in place and traffic has built up along the A500 and connecting routes.

Cheshire Police are appealing for witnesses and want to speak to the driver of a MAN HGV, carrying a blue container.

Two people are believed to have been seriously injured in the crash.

A police spokesman said: "The driver of a MAN HGV, carrying a blue container, is a potential witness and we are keen to locate the driver."

Emergency services, including six fire crews from Crewe, Sandbach, Alsager and Winsford were called to the scene and the northbound carriageway was shut off at junction 16.

It is not expected to reopen until after 9pm tonight and there have been delays of at least two hours on roads approaching the scene, with traffic queuing for nine miles back towards junction 14 at Stafford.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage should contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 1108734.