M62 closed: Drivers face traffic chaos and severe delays with motorway shut after 'police incident'

The westbound carriageway has now fully reopened, while traffic caught in the eastbound closure is in the process of being turned around from the rear of the queue.

Footage from the scene shows a number of police cars and ambulances on the eastbound side of the motorway as they continue to deal with the incident.

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According to eyewitness accounts, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance has landed in a field close to the eastbound carriageway.

Drivers have been told to avoid the area if they can and seek alternative routes as emergency services deal with the incident.

Emergency services including West Yorkshire Police are in attendance and are being supported by National Highways Traffic officers who are dealing with traffic management.

National Highways has estimated that the event will clear between 12.30pm and 12.45pm, with normal traffic conditions likely to resume at the same time.

Drivers in and around the area are being told to follow the solid square diversion symbol if they are travelling eastbound.

This will take them from M62 J29/M1 J42 to M1 north where they can exist at J44 and take the fourth exit for the A639.

Motorists are then advised to take the A639 towards Oulton at the second exit to remain on the road.

At the next roundabout (Rothwell), they should take the second exit onto the A642 before following the A642 southbound to the Rothwell Interchange with the M62 (J30).

From here, they can take the first exit from the roundabout to rejoin the M62 eastbound.

In May, Yorkshire Air Ambulance attended 112 incidents across Yorkshire, with 33 of these callouts being to road traffic accidents.

The latest update from traffic experts Inrix states: "M62 Eastbound closed, long delays due to police incident from J29 M1 J42 (Lofthouse) to J30 A642 (Rothwell).

"Ongoing since around 09:40 this morning. cameras show that westbound has been re-opened. A61 Leeds road is also closed. Trapped traffic is being let past the scene."

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GB News has contacted West Yorkshire Police for further information.