TRAFFIC is being held on the M56 in Warrington and Runcorn due to a 'serious' police incident.

Cheshire Police has confirmed officers are currently responding to an incident on the carriageway between  junction 10 Warrington and junction 11 Runcorn.

The roads have been closed in both directions and are not expected to reopen until the morning as emergency services attend the scene.

A Cheshire Police spokesperson warned motorists to 'avoid the area where possible'.

They said: "Officers are currently responding to an incident on the M56 motorway between junction 10 and junction 11 for Warrington.

"Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible and an update will be provided accordingly."

National Highways has advised on X that drivers will be able to come off the motorway at junction 10 and re-join via the slip road.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: "The M56 in Cheshire is closed in both directions between J10 (Warrington) and J11 (Runcorn) due to an ongoing NWPG and Cheshire police led Incident.

"Emergency services are working at the scene with Traffic Officers assisting with strategic closures on the approach. 

"The road is likely to remain closed throughout the night and into tomorrow morning with no times for the reopening at this stage."

Diversion route information is included below:

Westbound traffic is advised to follow the Hollow Circle diversion route Symbol: 

  • Exit the M56 westbound at J10

  • At the M56 J10/A49 roundabout, take the second exit and follow the A49 southbound for approx. 3 miles. 

  • At the A49/A533 junction, turn right onto the A533 westbound for approx. 3 miles. 

  • At the A553/A56 (Whitehouse roundabout), take the second exit onto the the A56 (Chester Road) northbound and follow for approx. 1 mile.

  • At the A56/M56 J11 roundabout, take the first exit to rejoin the M56 westbound. 

Eastbound traffic is advised to follow the Solid Diamond diversion route Symbol:

  • Exit the M56 eastbound at J11

  • At the M56 J11/A56 roundabout, take the fourth exit and follow the A56 westbound for approx. 1 mile. 

  • At the A56/A533 (Whitehouse) roundabout, take the first exit and follow the A533 (Northwich Road) eastbound for approx 3.5 miles. 

  • At the A533/A49 junction, turn left onto the A49 (Tarporley Road) northbound and follow for approx. 3 miles. 

  • At the M56 J10/A49 (Stretton) Rbt, take the fourth exit to rejoin the M56 eastbound.