A key section of the M56 motorway remains completely closed this bank holiday Monday morning across Merseyside, following a police-led incident that unfolded during the early hours.

As of 7 am, travel along the eastbound carriageway has been brought to a halt between junction 14, located near Hapsford, and junction 12, near Runcorn. National Highways, the organisation that runs England's motorways, initially announced the eastbound closure at roughly 1:30 am.

Cheshire Police are leading the response on the ground. Transport bosses have confirmed that the motorway carriageway was shut to allow emergency services to safely carry out their work at the scene and to allow a police investigation to take place.

Setting out the situation, an official statement issued by National Highways confirmed: "The M56 eastbound is closed between J14 (Hapsford) and J12 (Runcorn) for a police led incident."

The agency further explained the operational necessity behind the shutdown, stating: "Cheshire Police lead the response to the ongoing incident and have closed the carriageway to allow emergency services to work at scene."

Alongside the police presence, National Highways confirmed they have their own resources in attendance to assist with traffic management and help coordinate the flow of vehicles around the closure.

Even with operational teams in place, transport officials have made it clear that delays are likely, both on the immediate approach to the closure point and along the surrounding diversion routes.

To manage the displaced traffic, transport authorities have established and announced distinct diversion routes. Separate paths have been arranged for regular traffic and for heavy goods vehicles needing to bypass the closed section between Hapsford and Runcorn.

For anyone travelling along the M56 eastbound this bank holiday morning, the official advice is to expect delays, allow extra journey time, and follow the designated diversion signage while emergency teams deal with the incident.

Transport authorities have not yet confirmed specific details regarding the nature of the incident itself, nor have they given an estimated time for when the carriageway might safely reopen to the public.

Emergency services and investigators remain at the scene, and further details are expected once Cheshire Police complete their work on site. I'll be following this one.