A MAN has died following a two vehicle collision on the M6 earlier this morning which left the northbound carriageway closed.

Just before 6am today (Saturday) a white Transit type van and a vehicle transporter were involved in a collision between junction 35 and the Burton-in-Kendal services.

A spokesman said the 53-year-old transporter driver, of West Yorkshire, was killed and the female passenger was injured and treated in hospital.

A 46-year-old from Warwickshire has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He is also being held on suspicion of failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Chief Insp Tim Leeson, investigating the collision, said: "We are currently trying to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision and we would appeal to anyone with any information to come forward.

"We believe that the collision occured just before 6am this morning and so I would appeal to anyone who may have been travelling along the M6 around that time that may have witnessed anything to contact us if they have not already done so by calling 101 and quoting log number 0479.

"We are currently trying to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision and we would appeal to anyone with any information to come forward."

The northbound carriageway was closed for almost 12 hours while investigations took place and drivers were urged to avoid the area where possible.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police by calling 101.