A WOMAN has been taken to hospital after a serious crash on East Lancashire Road.

Emergency services were called to a collision involving a lorry and car near Leigh at about 10.20am today.

The East Lancs Road has been shut in both directions at Atherleigh Way.

Road closures are expected to remain in place for the "foreseeable future", police have said.

A spokeswoman for North West Ambulance Service said: "We were called to a collision involving a lorry and a car. We have sent a number of resources to the scene, including two ambulances, an air ambulance, two rapid response vehicles and one senior commander.

"We have taken one patient to hospital."

Police are currently at the scene and drivers have been urged to find an alternative route.

A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Police were called at about 10.20am today to reports of a serious collision involving a car and a lorry on East Lancashire Road, Leigh.

"Emergency services are at the scene.

"Road closures are expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future. Follow @OfficialTfGM on twitter for updates."

North West Motorway Police tweeted: "For anyone travelling this way: Our GMP Traffic colleagues are on scene dealing:

"A580 East Lancashire Road closed both directions at Atherleigh Way due to an RTC.

"If you can please find an alternative route."

Transport for Greater Manchester tweeted: "Travel update: A580 East Lancashire Road, Leigh closed both directions at Atherleigh Way due to an RTC. #TfGMTraffic"