A "police incident" on the M55 resulted in all traffic being stopped near Kirkham.

Motorists travelling in both directions on the M55 were halted by police due to a "police incident" at around 6.30am this morning (October 7).

Highways officers and emergency services were at the scene - located between junctions 3 (Wesham Interchange) and 4 (Marton Interchange).

Severe delays and congestion followed the closure and motorists were asked to avoid the area.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "We have had to close the M55 at Junction 3 (Kirkham) due to an ongoing incident.

"Please avoid this area for the time being to allow emergency services to deal with this."

A diversion was put in place to remove road users trapped on the motorway, but Highways England has now confirmed the M55 has reopened in both directions.

A spokesperson for Highways North West said: "The M55 has now been re-opened in both directions between J3 (Wesham) and J4 (Peel Hill) following the earlier police incident.