One person has been taken to hospital with serious injuries following a crash between a tractor and a car.

The Accrington Bypass had to be closed and traffic diverted due to the incident, in which emergency services, including the air ambulance were called to attend.

At 6.15pm some resources remained at the scene, but one person had been taken to Royal Preston Hospital via road ambulance. 

Road police, fire service, paramedics and traffic officers were called to the A56 (Accrington Bypass) southbound at Huncoat just after 4.30pm on Tuesday.

A police spokesperson said: "We were called at 4.40pm to the A56 between Rising Bridge and junction eight of the M65.

"A car has collided with a tractor and a full road closure has been put in place.

"The fire service have had to cut the roof off the car and the driver of the vehicle has been removed.

"They are receiving first aid at the scene.

"There are no details on the level of injury the driver has sustained at this moment in time."

Just after 5pm, Highways England posted the following on social media: "The A56 southbound at the A679/Huncoat to Rising Bridge Roundabout is in the process of being closed due to a serious collision. 

"Traffic Officers, Lancashire Road Police, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the Air Ambulance are currently at the scene."

A spokesperson for the ambulance service said: "We were called at 4.30pm to reports of a large RTC.

"We have a number of resources on scene including the air ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance, and an advanced paramedic.

"The police and fire service are also in attendance.

"The driver of the car has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

"We have no details on the age or gender of the person at this moment in time."

Motorists were asked to avoid the area and follow the diversions. 

A statement from Highways England read: "The A56 is closed in both directions between the A679 (near Huncoat) and the A680 (near Accrington) due to a serious road traffic collision involving a car and a tractor.

"The police, fire service and the air ambulance are currently on scene. 

"Arrangements are being made to release trapped traffic from the scene.

"Road users travelling southbound are advised to follow the hollow diamond diversion road signs .

"Leave the A56/A679 junction then take the A679 (westbound) and continue then take the A680 (southbound).

"At the A680/A56 roundabout take the third exit and re-join the A56.

"Road users travelling northbound are advised to follow the solid triangle diversion road signs in reverse of the southbound diversion."

Motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journey.