A loose horse on the M65 was killed in an early-morning crash, police have confirmed.
The eastbound carriageway was closed between J8 (Huncoat) and J10 (Burnley) early this morning but re-opened at around 7.45am.
Lancashire Police said they were called just after 2.30am to reports of two horses being loose on the carriageway close to J9 (Rose Grove).
One of the horses was struck by two vehicles and was killed. The other horse was secured and safely taken off the motorway.
A passenger in one of the vehicles which struck the horse suffered facial injuries.
READ MORE: M65 open again after crash between Huncoat and Burnley
A second crash then occurred involving three vehicles, with three people suffering minor injuries.
A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: "We were contacted at 2.34am today (28th October) following a report that two horses were loose on the westbound carriageway of the M65 at Junction 9.
"Our officers attended the scene and were made aware that one of the horses had been fatally struck by two vehicles. A passenger in one of the vehicles suffered facial injuries,
"A second collision has then occurred involving three vehicles, with three people suffering minor injuries.
"Thankfully the second horse has been secured and safely taken off the carriageway.
"The eastbound carriageway was closed between Junction 8 and Junction 10, but has now been reopened."
The motorway was closed for several hours but has since re-opened.
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