EMERGENCY services have been called to a series of serious crashes in South Cumbria.

Police are currently dealing with eight crashes in the south of the county, four of which are being treated as serious.

The A591 at Plantation Bridge has been closed by police are "multiple collisions" and motorists are being asked to avoid, if possible, the Cark and Cartmel area after a crash at around 8.30am.

Other crashes have happened on the A590 at Meathop roundabout near Grange, Park Road/the A6 in Milnthorpe, the B5282 Storth Road, Holborn Hill in Millom and a number in the Kendal area.

Meanwhile, motorists experienced delays on the M6, which was blocked for over an hour on the northbound carriageway between junctions 42 and 43, after a crash involving two vehicles. The motorway has now re-opened.

Police have warned motorists to take care as the icy conditions are believed to be responsible for a number of crashes.

The A591, which is being used as a diversion while the A592 from Newby Bridge is closed, is particularly bad, with a lot of ice on the road near to the junction with the A6.

In a statement, police said: "Cumbria Constabulary is asking people to take extra care when driving this morning, particularly in the south of the county, due to the road conditions.

"Cold weather overnight has led to icy conditions on the roads.

"Please take extra care when driving, leave plenty of distance between yourself and the car in front and make sure you are driving to the conditions rather than the speed limit."