A 49-year-old man has died after traffic was brought to a standstill on a UK motorway following a crash. The incident happened on the M53 southbound this morning, between junction five at Eastham and junction six at Ellesmere Port. Emergency services were called to the scene following a collision between a white Peugeot van and a red VW car near to the Eastham exit of the M53.

Traffic is understood to have been stopped since 8.35am with authorities warning of potential delays. Emergency services continue to conduct investigation work, with no confirmation given as to when the carriageway will reopen. This live blog is now closed but you can still read our updates below.