A MAN has died after being hit by a lorry on the M53 near Clatterbridge this morning, police have confirmed.

Police were called to scene at junction 4 of the motorway close to the sliproad for Clatterbridge at 10.50am following reports that a man had been in collision with an HGV on the Liverpool-bound carriageway of the motorway.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation is underway to establish what happened.

The motorway was closed both ways for much of the day between J4 A5137 Brimstage Road (Bebington) to J5 A41 New Chester Road (Eastham).

Congestion stretched back to J3 (Woodchurch) on the Souhtbound side and J7 (Overpool) on the Northbound side.

The southbound carriageway reopened before 7pm, with the northbound carriageway reopening shortly after.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital and Clatterbridge Cancer Centre had warned the public of delays and urged people to add time to their journeys because of the incident.

Diversions were put in place via B5151 past Clatterbridge Hospital towards Willaston, the B5133 past Hooton Train Station, and on to the A41

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: ”We were contacted at 10.50am today, Friday 16th August, to reports that a male had been in collision with an HGV on the Liverpool-bound carriageway of the M53 in Wirral.

“Officers attended at the scene at junction 4 of the motorway close to the sliproad for Clatterbridge. The male has been pronounced dead at the scene.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances of the incident, identity the male and inform the next of kin.

“The motorway has been closed between junctions 5 and 4 to allow for investigative work to be carried out and motorists are being asked to avoid the area and find alternative routes

“Anyone who can assist the investigation is asked to contact the roads policing unit on 0151 777 5747, or DM @MerPolCc or call 101.”