UPDATE: The Birkenhead tunnel has now re-opened following an earlier collision.

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FIVE people have been taken to hospital following a two car collision in the Birkenhead tunnel.

The tunnel remains closed and motorists are advised to use the Wallasey tunnel while emergency services clear the crash.

A spokesman for Merseytravel said they were informed of the collision shortly after 12.15pm today, Thursday.

"Five people have been taken to hospital. Four people were in one car and one from the second car."

It is not yet known what injuries have been sustained.

The  tunnel is expected to re-open at around 1.30pm.