A POLICE officer has died following a crash on the M6 southbound near Carlisle.

The officer - a 47-year-old-man who worked for Cumbria Constabulary's Mobile Support Group - was pronounced dead at the scene and was the only occupant of the vehicle.

In a statement by Cumbria Police, a spokesman said that specialist officers are supporting his family at this time.

No further details about the man's identity were released.

Junctions 43 to 44 of the M6 were closed following the crash at 2pm for nearly seven hours while emergency services dealt with the incident and carried out investigation work.

The northbound carriageway reopened at 9pm, and the southbound carriageway is expected to open to traffic by 11pm (Sunday, January 26).