A Cumbria police officer has died in a tragic crash during a blue light run on the M6 motorway today, 26 January. The fatal collision occurred between junctions 44 and 43 at around 2pm, with no other vehicles involved.

Sources confirmed the officer died at the scene. Cumbria Police have released limited details but confirmed the time and location of the incident. The officer leaves behind a young family, including his wife, who also serves as a police officer in Cumbria.

The M6 remains closed in both directions between Junction 44 (A7, Hawick) and Junction 43 (A69, Carlisle) as forensic teams carry out investigations. Closures are expected to continue into the evening, causing significant disruption for motorists.

Traffic caught between the closure and the accident scene is being turned around and redirected via slip roads to follow official diversion routes:

Southbound: Exit at Junction 44, follow hollow square signs. At the roundabout, take the 4th exit onto A7 (Kingstown Road) southbound. Turn left at Carlisle traffic lights onto A69 (Victoria Place), then left onto Warwick Road (A69) to rejoin the M6 at Junction 43.

Northbound: Exit at Junction 43, follow hollow triangle signs. Take the 1st exit at the roundabout onto A69 (Warwick Road). At the Warwick Road/Victoria Place junction, turn right onto A69 (Victoria Place), then right onto A7 (Georgian Way) to rejoin the M6 at Junction 44.

The loss of the officer, who was responding to an emergency, has deeply affected Cumbria Police and the local community. Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues during this heartbreaking time.

Originally published by UKNIP.

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