Police officer dies following M6 motorway crash near Carlisle
26 January 2020, 17:59
A Cumbria Police officer has died in a crash on the M6 motorway near Carlisle.
Cumbria Constabulary said the 47-year-old man, who worked for the force's mobile support group, was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision.
He was the only occupant of the vehicle, a force spokesman confirmed.
The M6 motorway was closed in both directions near Carlisle following the "major incident."
Cumbria Police say the collision happened at around 2pm Sunday afternoon on the southbound carriageway between junctions 43 and 44.
The spokesman added: "Specialist officers are supporting his family at this time."
Reports suggest the police car veered off the road and went down a ditch running parallel to the highway.
We are currently dealing with a one vehicle road traffic collision on the M6 Southbound between junction 44 and 43.
— Cumbria Police (@Cumbriapolice) January 26, 2020
The M6 is currently closed in both directions between those junctions
More here https://t.co/a8zeEVf22R
A source near the scene told LBC News they had seen the vehicle on fire.
Authorities said the motorway would be closed for a long period of time while an investigation takes place.
No other cars were involved in the incident, according to a statement by Cumbria Police.
Drivers have been urged to avoid the area and use alternative routes.
Fire crews from Carlisle and the North West Ambulance Service were both called to the scene.
