A SECTION of the M65 was closed off for several hours while police dealt with an 'incident' on a motorway bridge.

Officers were called to a stretch of the motorway, between junctions eight and nine, at Padiham and Hapton.

A police spokesman said officers were concerned for a person’s welfare on a bridge.

UPDATE: Woman dies in M65 bridge incident

A police spokesman said: “We were called at shortly after 9.30am on Monday morning to reports of a concern for safety of a person on a bridge between junction nine and eight westbound of the M65.

“It is believed that the same person is now on the carriageway.

“Officers are at the scene and closures have been put in place between junctions 8 and 10 westbound.”

Highways England said both east and westbound carriageways were closed off.

The traffic issues caused delays on Cavalry Way in Burnley, as well as congestion back up to junction 11 and alternative routes into Padiham.

Traffic was released past the scene via the hard shoulder.

A North West Ambulance Service spokesman said paramedics were called to the scene.

A scene commander was also called to the incident.

A Highways England spokesman said: "Please avoid the area if planning travel for the time being, more details on closures to follow when known."