A MAJOR stretch of the M6 has been shut for hours after a police-led incident sparked travel chaos for early-morning drivers.
The northbound carriageway near Warrington between junctions 21 and 21A was closed shortly before 3am and remains shut this morning.
Drivers have been warned the motorway could stay closed “well into the morning” as investigations continue at the scene.
Police and highways crews sealed off the busy route at around 2.52am after Cheshire Police requested assistance.
Traffic officers have been maintaining the closure through the night and safely turning around vehicles caught within the shutdown.
A diversion route is now in place while officers deal with the incident.
National Highways said the full closure was needed to create a safe working area for emergency services.
Motorists heading north have been urged to allow extra travel time or consider delaying their journeys.
The traffic body warned there is currently no confirmed time for the road to reopen.
In a statement, National Highways said: “Cheshire Police are leading the response and are carrying out investigations on the M6 northbound between J21 and J21A near Warrington.”
The organisation added that traffic officers have been managing the closure and assisting drivers trapped within it overnight.
Meanwhile, a second stretch of the M6 has also been shut this morning following another police incident.
The motorway between junctions 28 and 30 near Bamber Bridge in Lancashire was closed at around 7am.
Cheshire Police confirmed they are dealing with a serious collision on the M6 and warned motorists to steer clear as long delays are expected.
A spokesperson said: “Police are currently at the scene of a serious collision on the M6 between junctions 21 and 21A.
“Road closures are in place between junctions 21–21A and 28–30 while emergency services work at the scene.
“Delays are expected and motorists are advised to avoid the area.”
