TWO people have died following a crash on the M6 which left the road closed for almost nine hours.

The M6 was closed northbound between J32 (for the M55) and J33 due to the serious collision involving a car which left the carriageway.

Highways England reported that emergency services, including Lancashire Police, were in attendance.

A spokeswoman for Lancashire Police said: "We were called at around 4pm to reports of a collision on the M6 motorway between junction 32 and 33.

"Officers attended and sadly two people, the driver of the vehicle and the front seat passenger, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin are being informed and our thoughts remain with them at this time.

"The northbound carriageway remained closed for several hours while collision investigators examined the scene.

"Anyone who witnesses the incident is asked to contact us on 101 quoting log number 1125 of August 13."