The northbound lanes of the motorway have been closed from junction 16, Crewe, to junction 18, Middlewich and Holmes Chapel.

The Highways Agency said they hoped to re-open the carriageway by 2000 BST.

They are advising drivers to avoid the area.

Police have started an investigation and have been trying to establish why the men were on the motorway.

An empty car was parked on the hard shoulder at the scene and police are trying to find out if it belonged to the victims.

The lorry driver was taken to hospital. It was not known how serious his injuries were.