Motorists advised to avoid M62 which is closed in both directions

Update 1.30pm The M62 is now fully reopened in both directions.

Highways England said the M62 motorway has been closed in both directions - between junctions 21 and 24 eastbound and J24 to J22 westbound - following a police incident and a serious crash, 9.00am Wednesday 8 May.

The M62 is closed eastbound between J21 (Milnrow/Newhey) and J24 (Huddersfield, Halifax A629) due to two separate incidents.

Police are in attendance at the bridge at Scammonden between junctions 22 and 23 and also at junction 24 following two separate incidents which have resulted in a full closure of the motorway east and westbound

Officers are continuing enquiries in the Scammonden Bridge area of the M62 after attending there at around 5am this morning after a man was sighted on the bridge.

The male fell from the bridge at just after 6am suffering life threatening injuries.

Highways England say the motorway will remain closed through the morning rush hour.

In an unrelated incident, emergency services were called to the exit slip road of the M62 eastbound carriageway at junction 24 at just after 1am this morning following a serious collision between a motorcyclist and a vehicle.

The male motorcyclist received life threatening injuries in the incident.

Drivers have been warned to expect disruption throughout the morning rush hour. 

Highways England have subsequently closed the M62 eastbound at J21 (Milnrow). Large good vehicles are to exit at J21 and follow the hollow square symbol the will rejoin at J26. All other traffic to follow the solid triangle symbol which will take you to J24.

A Highways England spokesperson said traffic was "very heavy in both directions and on surrounding routes".

Commuters have been warned to leave extra time for their journeys, with diversions on local A-roads in place.

Motorists are urged to follow updates on local radio and on West Yorkshire Police and Highways Agency social media.