POLICE have issued a countywide plea for information after a serious collision on the M6 involving five vehicles.

Officers from Cumbria Constabulary say the 'large scale incident' took place at around 10.50pm last night, causing several people to become trapped in their vehicles with potentially life-threatening injuries.

The incident occurred close to junction 43 for Carlisle and completely closed the northbound carriageway for around eight hours.

The vehicles involved were a silver Toyota Yaris, a silver Vauxhall Astra, a grey Skoda Yeti, a silver Peugeot 207 and a Royal Mail van - all of which were 'extensively damaged', said a police spokesman.

Two occupants in the Skoda - a 67-year-old male and a 64-year-old female - and a 47-year-old male travelling in the Peugeot all had to be cut free from their car.

They were taken to Cumberland Infirmary.

Officers continued to work through the night to conduct an examination of the scene.

They and the Highways Agency re-opened the road in the early hours of this morning.

Anybody who witnessed it, or has any information, is now asked to contact Cumbria Constabulary on 101, asking for PC Johnston of the Operational Support Unit.