Two men have died following a crash with a lorry on the M57 motorway.
Emergency services were contacted at 9.10pm on Friday after reports a Seat car collided with a HGV close to junction 6 on the southbound carriageway.
The driver and one of the passengers in the car, both said to be men in their 20s and from the Kirkby area, were later pronounced dead at the scene.
They have not yet been formally identified but their next of kin have been informed and being supported by specially trained officers.
A third man in the car, also in his 20s and from Kirkby, is being treated in hospital for injuries sustained. His condition is described as serious but stable.
The driver of the HGV stopped at the scene and is assisting with enquiries.
Detective Sergeant Andy Roper from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with the families of the two men who tragically died and the third man seriously injured following last night’s collision.
“An investigation is underway which is in the very early stages.
“We are trying to establish the circumstances that led up to the collision and would ask anyone who was on the M57 between j6 and j7 around 9pm last night who saw anything significant or thinks they captured something on their dashcam to contact us.
“Investigative work will remain ongoing on the M57 for a considerable period of time and motorists are advised to avoid the area. We would like to thank people for their patience as this matter is dealt with.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to call our Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747, email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, or DM @MerPolCC on Twitter quoting reference 23000100453.