Motorists were being urged to find an alternative route this morning due to a 'police incident' on the M65.

The stretch of motorway between junction nine for Burnley and junction 10 for Padiham was closed in both directions for around an hour on Thursday morning.

Highways England said the closure was because of a 'police incident', stating that traffic officers, police, and the ambulance service had all been called to the scene.

Maintenance crews were also called to assist.

A police spokesperson later confirmed that a man had fallen from the bridge and had suffered suspected leg and arm injuries.

An ambulance service spokesperson said: "We received a call to the scene at 4.09am and sent an ambulance and response vehicle.

"A man was taken to hospital with major trauma related injuries."

The closure was put in place just before 5am, and motorists were being asked to follow the diversions.

As of 7am the motorway was fully reopened.