A WOMAN was freed from her vehicle by firefighters and a man flown to hospital after a crash in St Helens this morning.

Three people were injured after an HGV and a Fiat collided on the East Lancashire Road in Haydock around 9.40am.

The road remains closed off in both directions between the Haydock roundabout and junction 23 and is not expected to re-open for a number of hours.

Fire, police and ambulance crews attended the crash, which happened on the Liverpool-bound carriageway.

Two air ambulances, a hazardous area response team, a rapid response team and six ambulances were dispatched by the North West Ambulance Service as two people were left with serious injuries.

A 21-year-old man, who had been travelling in the HGV, was taken to Wythenshawe hospital by air ambulance with serious leg injuries.

The woman freed from the car was taken to Warrington General Hospital where the 52-year-old was treated for serious chest injuries.

A 43-year-old man, who had also been in the HGV, was taken to Warrington General Hospital as well, though it is believed his injuries were less serious.