DRIVERS travelling between Bradford and Manchester are being urged to avoid the M62 after a lorry crashed through the central reservation today causing closure of the motorway.

Highways England said the incident, which happened at about 8.15am on the eastbound carriageway between junctions 21 at Milnrow and 22 at Saddleworth.

The lorry, which was carrying butter, collided with vehicles travelling in the opposite direction.

The driver was airlifted to hospital and was in a critical condition, said Greater Manchester Police.

It is unknown at this stage if there are any other injuries.

Recovery work will continue until at least 5pm.

No eastbound vehicles are being allowed beyond junction 21 and no westbound vehicles are being allowed beyond junction 22.

Westbound traffic has been backing up to junction 24 at Ainley Top with drivers warned to expect delays of at least at hour.

Meanwhile a further incident has closed westbound access on to the M62 at junction 24. J24 westbound access.

The road was reopened at 11pm tonight.