A WOMAN has been airlifted to hospital with ‘serious head injuries’ in an incident which closed the M56 this afternoon, Monday.

Cheshire Police earlier confirmed that the motorway had been shut near to junction 11 for Daresbury at around 1.50pm.

An air ambulance was dispatched to the scene following reports of concern for a woman on the hard shoulder, and she has been taken to hospital.

The motorway is now reopen in both directions, with motorists urged to be patient while congestion returns to normal levels.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: “At around 1.50pm on Monday, August 21, police were called to concerns for the safety of a woman on the M56 at junction 11.

“Officers at the scene found a woman on the hard shoulder who had sustained serious head injuries.

“She has been taken to hospital by air ambulance for treatment.

“A temporary road closure was put in place. The eastbound carriageway reopened shortly before 3pm, and there is currently a rolling block on the westbound carriageway.”

Enquiries in relation to this incident are underway, and anyone with any information is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 1626098, or visit cheshire.police.uk/tell-us