TWO people have been killed and three others injured in a serious crash on the M6.

The crash happened this morning on the motorway between junctions 39 and 40 (Shap and Penrith respectively), northbound, and the lane has been closed while police work at the scene.

A spokesperson from Cumbria Police said: "Police were called at 11.18am today (February 28) following a collision involving a van and a car on the M6, on the northbound carriageway between junctions 39 and 40.

"Two people who were in the car were pronounced deceased at the scene.

"A third person who was in the car, a man, in his forties, was taken to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle after suffering a number of injuries.

"Two men who were in the van did not suffer significant injuries.

"They were taken to the Cumberland Infirmary.

"The M6 northbound was closed following the collision while emergency services responded to the collision.

"Motorists are asked to avoid the area while this closure is in place.

"Diversions are in place via the A6."

As of 3.40pm, police and partner agencies are still working at the crash site, and said the motorway may be closed for some time, advising that drivers avoid the area. 

Responding to a call at 11:31 am were paramedics from Great North Air Ambulance, who arrived at the incident at 11:33 am.

A spokesperson from the Great North Air Ambulance said they treated a patient at the scene.

A spokesperson from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said they sent three vehicles out, two from Penrith and one from Shap, after a report made at 11:19 am.

Police added: "Officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to contact them online at cumbria.police.uk/reportit - you can also phone on 101.

"Visit the traffic link map at cumbria.police.uk/traffic-link-map to keep up to date with the latest situation on the roads."