Driver heading to Blackpool on M55 motorway discovered woman's body on the hard shoulder

A woman's body was found on the hard shoulder of the M55 last night.

Police were called to the motorway at 10.20pm in response to a concern for a woman’s welfare.

Around 10 minutes later, at around 10.30pm, officers received another call from a motorist travelling towards Blackpool on the M55. The driver reported seeing what they believed to be a body on the hard shoulder.

Officers attended the scene between junctions 1 and 2, close to Broughton Interchange, where they sadly found the body of a woman.

The motorway was closed for around five hours while the emergency services worked at the scene.

Lancashire Police said enquiries are now ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the woman's death.

Police statement

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “We were called at 10.20pm yesterday to a report of a concern for welfare of a woman.

“Ten minutes later at 10.30pm we received another call after a motorist driving towards Blackpool on the M55 reported seeing what they believed was a body on the hard shoulder of the motorway.

“Officers attended the scene, between junctions 1 and 2 near to the Broughton interchange, where very sadly we can confirm they found the body of a woman.

“Enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances. The motorway was closed for around five hours.”