Traffic in Blackburn was thrown into chaos yesterday when the westbound M65 was closed at Whitebirk after a man was hit by a car after trying to cross the carriageway between junctions five and six.

Four men travelling towards Burnley broke down on the hard shoulder and two got out and tried to cross both carriageways, police think to reach an emergency phone.

One of the men, a 40-year-old, was hit by a Vauxhall Nova.

Insp Stef Carroll said: "The man was very lucky indeed as the car was travelling at a considerable speed and he only suffered a fractured arm, ankle and some minor injuries."

The incident happened around 4.20pm and the motorway was closed for around an hour with tailbacks stretching around four miles past Clayton-le-Moors.

Traffic was diverted through Blackburn causing heavy congestion on major routes in the town.

A spokesman for Lancashire Ambulance Service said a rapid response ambulance, which was parked at the Whitebirk roundabout, was on the scene within three minutes and further assistance was received from two crews from Accrington and Blackburn.

Paradmedics treated the man at the scene for multiple injuries and he was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary where his condition is described as comfortable.

Both cars were removed shortly after the accident.