M6 shut after fuel spill

UPDATE 15.50 hours:

A second lane on the M6 southbound has been reopened. Traffic is beginning to build on the M6 and we would urge people to find alternative routes.

UPDATE 14.15 hours:

One lane has reopened northbound and southbound of the M6. Traffic is flowing well. We are currently awaiting an engineer to assess the damage to the central reservation.

INITIAL POST 1230 hours:

The M6 is currently closed in both directions following a collision with a HGV which has hit the central reservation.

It occurred at 11.58am on the southbound carriageway between junctions 20, Lymm interchange, and 19, Knutsford.

A quantity of fuel has split onto the road and as a result the carriageway is closed in both directions. There are no reports of any injuries.

Local diversions are in place and motorists are advised to avoid the area. At this stage we do not know how long it will be closed for, but will update when possible.