A WOMAN in her 50s has been taken to hospital following a "serious" collision involving two cars on the A55 near Chester.

An air ambulance was scrambled following the incident on the eastbound carriageway between the Posthouse Roundabout and Boughton Heath junctions.

The collision involved a black Mini Cooper, which was overturned, and a blue Vauxhall Insignia.

The driver of the Mini Cooper has been taken to hospital with "multiple injuries".

Cheshire Police said: "Officers were called to A55 Chester Southerly by-pass just before 12.40pm on Thursday 29 April following a collision involving a black Mini Cooper and a blue Vauxhall Insignia.

"The driver of the Mini Cooper, a woman, has been airlifted to hospital.

"The A55 is currently closed eastbound and drivers are urged to avoid the area.

"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 975863 or report it via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report."

North West Ambulance Service said: "An ambulance has taken a woman in her 50s with multiple injuries to the hospital.

"We also mobilised an air ambulance, an advanced paramedic, a rapid response vehicle and an operational commander to the scene."

Police said the carriageway was shut in both directions to allow the air ambulance to land.

The air ambulance has since left the scene and the westbound carriageway has reopened.

The eastbound carriageway remains closed.

Diverted traffic is now affecting the A494 Drome corner westbound.

North West Motorway Police initally posted on its Facebook page: "We are dealing with a serious RTC on the A55, Chester Southerly By Pass.

"Police are on scene.

"The carriageway will be closed in both directions for air ambulance to land. Please find an alternative route."

In a further update, it said: "Air Ambulance have now left the scene of the RTC.

"We have now released the road closure on the A55 North Wales bound.

"The eastbound carriageway will remain closed for the time being whilst investigation work takes place."