A Highways England spokesperson tweeted just after 4pm: “The #M6 is blocked in both directions between J32 and J33 due to an @LancsPolice-led incident resulting from a pedestrian on the network. Further updates from the police to follow.” Commuters have been seen to leave their cars as they come to a stop, and motorists tired of asking when the lanes would reopen.
In response to a motorist who asked why all lanes have been closed, a spokesperson said: “Police are being led so you will need to take your complaint with them. As soon as they release the block we will update our feed.”
This is the second incident on the M6 as a lorry fire caused chaos this morning.
A section of the M6 and M55 in Preston was closed this morning, causing major disruption to surrounding areas.
Six fire trucks were dispatched to fight the blaze with photos of the scene showing huge plumes of smoke over the highway.
The M55 has been fully reopened, as has part of the M6, but is still partially closed to allow for a complex recovery process.
Those temporarily detained on the M6 have said it is “really bad”.
In a photo shared by Joe Gibson, passengers traveling north can be seen standing still.
Inrix reports: “M6 in both directions blocked serious delays, causing traffic queues following a police incident from J32 M55 (Broughton Interchange) to J33 A6 Preston Lancaster Road (Lancaster South / Garstang). Congestion on the A6 via Garstang as traffic tries to divert.”
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Some trapped motorists speculate about the cause of the police incident, with one claiming a pedestrian had a knife, although this has not been confirmed.