Emergency services have been called out to a horror crash on the motorway near Skelmersdale, Lancashire this morning (January 8).

Witnesses reported three air ambulances touching down in fields just off the M58 in between junction 4 and junction 3.

The section of the motorway has been closed in both directions and will be closed for "hours".

Skelmersdale police tweeted: "Please be aware that we are currently at the scene of a collision involving multiple vehicles on the M58.

"A full closure is in place between J3 at Bickerstaffe and J4 at Skelmersdale in both directions."

Police have urged motorists to avoid the area and have since been diverting traffic elsewhere.

One eyewitness told Newsflare: "I am estimating at least 8 police cars, 2 fire engines, 3 traffic police and at least 4 serious incident unmarked cars as well as air ambulances have gone past on hard shoulder"