Police have identified a Carlisle lorry driver who died after a crash on the A66.

Timothy Harkness, 72, was behind the wheel of one of two HGVs involved in the collision at about 5.40am yesterday.

The crash happened at Kirkby Thore, east of Penrith, and the road remains closed in both directions between Kirkby Thore and Crackenthorpe while investigations are carried out.

Mr Harkness was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family paid tribute to a man they described as a "loving husband, father and grandfather".

Their statement continued: "[He was] well loved by all his friends and colleagues for his quick wit and cheeky sense of humour. He had a love of horse racing and enjoyed life.”

A 22-year-old man from South Yorkshire was arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving and has been released under investigation.

BEEP Dr Theo Weston, who attended the scene along with North West Ambulance Service paramedics, said: "Unfortunately one of the drivers suffered very serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene while the other driver suffered only minor injuries and was left with the NWAS paramedics for treatment of these injuries.

"Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of the first driver at this time."

A spokesman for Cumbria Police advised drivers to avoid the area.

Westbound traffic is being diverted to the A685 west via Kirkby Stephen to join the M6 northbound.

Eastbound traffic is directed to use the A69 and A65 using M6 and Kemplay roundabout.

"Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact police referencing incident 18 of 3 April 2018," the spokesman added.

It's the second time in less than a week that the stretch of road has been closed off because of a crash involving two lorries.

The emergency services dealt with another incident last Thursday and the road was shut of 20 hours.