The M6 in north Cumbria has reopened after an earlier serious crash.

Emergency services were called to a collision on the southbound carriageway between junction 40 - Penrith - and junction 39 - Shap at just before 8am today.

It involved a HGV, a van and a car.

The road was initially closed southbound, although one lane was reopened at about 11am and the road was fully reopened by 12.45pm.

Diversions were in place, causing a knock-on effect on surrounding roads including the A6.

There is no further information about the drivers or their injuries at this time.

It was the second serious crash on the motorway this morning, with icy conditions believed to have contributed to the chaos.

At 8.35am today, police were called to a one-vehicle collision between junction 41 for Wigton and Southwaite services.

Firefighters confirmed they helped free a person who was trapped.

A Cumbria Police spokeswoman said: "The female driver of the car – a Renault Captur – was taken to Cumberland Infirmary to be checked over however she is not believed to have any serious injuries.

"A further call was made to police at 8.45am with a report of a 4-vehicle collision near to J42. Officers attended the incident but the cars involved had already left the location.

"Police are reminding motorists to be careful on the roads due to the ice on routes around the county," she added.