The M65 was brought to a complete standstill this afternoon after reports that pillows and mattresses were littered across the carriageway.

However, Highways North West have said that traffic has been stopped due to a collision, and Lancashire Road police have stated they are currently dealing with an 'incident'.

A spokesperson for the road police said: "M65 both eastbound and westbound closed between junctions five and six due to a police incident. Please avoid."

Traffic is queueing both ways from junction six for the A6119 Whitebirk Drive (Blackburn/Whitebirk Roundabout) to junction five for the A6077 (Guide/Shadsworth).

A spokesperson for the police confirmed with the Lancashire Telegraph: "The M65 has been closed due to pillows and a mattress and other debris in the road.

"Highways are now dealing with this incident."

At 2.55pm, the AA traffic and travel website confirmed that there had been an accident, which was affecting traffic around Blackburn.

The AA stated: "All lanes stopped and slow traffic due to accident on M65 both ways from J6 A6119 Whitebirk Drive (Blackburn/Whitebirk Roundabout) to J5 A6077 (Guide/Shadsworth).

"Police are at the scene. Traffic has been held since approx 2.55pm."