AN 80-YEAR-OLD woman has died after 'appearing to jump' from a bridge over the M65 between Nelson and Colne this morning.

Police said the woman, who is from the local area, died from serious injuries at Junction 13 shortly after 8am. She was not hit by any vehicles.

The road was closed for more than one and a half hours.

Sgt Tracey Ward, of the Road Policing Unit, said: “I would like to offer my condolences to the family of this lady. We have a specially trained officer who is providing support to them at this difficult time.

“This incident happened at a busy time with lots of people travelling to work and I would appeal for anyone who saw what happened to get in touch with the police so that we can establish exactly what has happened."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting log number 0257 of Friday, November 8 2013.