M65 reopens to traffic after 'police incident' in Lancashire saw motorway closed

A major motorway in Lancashire was closed in both directions due to a police incident today (Sunday, December 29). The M65 was shut to traffic between Junction 7 (Accrington) and Junction 8 (Hapton).

The closure was first reported at around 4.30pm and a traffic diversion is in place. Shortly after 7.15pm, the eastbound carriageway was confirmed to have reopened, and the westbound carriageway reopened around 20 minutes later.

A National Highways spokesperson said: "The M65 in Lancashire is now fully open in both directions between the J8 (Hapton) and J7 (Accrington).

"Thanks for your patience if you were held up as a result of this incident. Delays should now start to ease."

A National Highways spokesperson said:

The M65 in Lancashire is now fully open in both directions between the J8 (Hapton) and J7 (Accrington).

Thanks for your patience if you were held up as a result of this incident. Delays should now start to ease."

A National Highways spokesperson said:

The M65 in Lancashire is now only closed westbound between between J8 (Hapton) and J7 (Accrington). Eastbound has re-opened.

The westbound carriageway is expected to re-open shortly. Thank you for your patience this evening. "

A National Highways spokesperson said:

The M65 in Lancashire is closed in both directions between J7 (Accrington) and J8 (Hapton) due to a police led incident.

Lancashire Police are leading the incident, assisted by National Highways Traffic Officers and contractors for traffic management."

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said:

We are currently dealing with a concern for welfare and as a result have closed the M65 in both directions between Junctions 7-8. Please avoid the area and we will provide an update when we can."

Inrix, the