A woman died after falling from a bridge on the M65.

Officers were called to a stretch of the motorway, between junctions eight and nine, at Padiham and Hapton at 9.30am.

A police spokesman said officers were concerned for a woman's welfare on a bridge.

The woman, believed to be in her 40s, died at the scene after ending up on the carriageway.

A police spokesman said: "We have notified her next of kin.

"Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner.

"Our thoughts are with the woman and her family at this extremely sad time."

Motorway users were delayed for a couple of hours and closures were put in place between junctions eight and 10.

People were seen standing around on the hard shoulder.

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

Lancashire Telegraph:

Traffic was released past the scene via the hard shoulder.

The motorway was reopened 

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

A scene commander was also called to the incident.

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Highways England said both east and westbound carriageways have been closed off.

At the time, a Highways England spokesman tweeted: “Please avoid the area if planning travel for the time being, more details on closures to follow when known.”