Day of traffic chaos on M65 after three incidents

The latest was reported this evening at around 7pm. Traffic was brought to a standstill due to a police incident on the M65 between junctions five and six, National Highways confirmed.

Severe delays of 28 minutes were reported by traffic and travel website, AA Traffic and Travel.

Traffic on M65 (Image: Craig Welsh)

All lanes reopened at around 7.30pm.

Lancashire Police were on scene but more details about the incident are yet to be confirmed.

The first M65 disruption occurred in the morning near the Guide and Whitebirk junctions, where reports of animals on the road forced a full closure of the motorway.

It had been reported that there was a vehicle fire, but it later transpired that animals in the road had led to the motorway being shut.

Later in the afternoon, a multi-vehicle crash brought the eastbound carriageway to a standstill between junction seven at Accrington and junction eight for Hapton.

Police said a minor injury was reported and the incident resulted in more than two miles of congestion.

Car after M65 crash between Accrington and Hapton (Image: Andy Flynn)

Emergency services, including police, fire, and ambulance teams, attended the scene.

Photos from the crash site showed a damaged HGV and other vehicles on the hard shoulder.

Debris was scattered across the carriageway and a car appeared to be badly damaged.

HGV driver Andy Flynn, who said he was involved in the crash, shared images from the scene and urged drivers to avoid the area.