M62 LIVE as all traffic stopped after cow escapes onto carriageway - updates

All traffic is being held on the M62 this evening after a cow escaped onto the carriageway.

The westbound carriageway is closed with 'severe delays' between J22 for Rishworth Moor and J21 for Milnrow. Highways officers are currently at the scene managing traffic.

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Pictures shared on X appeared to show a cow on the grass verge beside the hard shoulder of the motorway. Congestion is continuing to build this evening, with around three miles of traffic currently stuck in a closure.

National Highways has urged motorists to allow extra time for their journeys while the incident is dealt with.

This is a live incident. Updates to follow below

There are at least three miles of congestion this evening, which is continuing to grow with all traffic being held on the westbound carriageway.

Motorway cameras near Rochdale show motorists stuck in the ongoing incident, which is being managed by Highways Traffic Officers currently.

A post shared by National Highways this evening read: "Traffic is stopped on the M62 westbound between J22 (Denshaw) and J21 (Rochdale) due to a a cow on the verge of the carriageway. Traffic Officers are on scene.

"Please allow extra travel time if in the area. There is 3 miles congestion on approach."

Images have been posted on social media this evening.

Highways traffic officers remain at the scene while all traffic is being held.