Highways England has said the road was closed in both directions between Junction 22 at Denshaw and J24 near Huddersfield following the incident, which is believed to be near to Scammonden.

The road has since reopened but motorists are expected to face further delays amid heavy congestion.

West Yorkshire Police's roads policing unit tweeted: "Motorway in both directions will remain closed whilst we deal with this incident.

"Diversions are in place and the closure is likely to be in place for several hours. Thank you for your patience."

Diversions were put in place and police thanked motorists for their patience.

Trapped eastbound traffic wss advised follow A672, A58, A646 and A629 and re-join at J24.

Westbound traffic was recommended to follow A629, A646, A58 and A672 to re-join at J22.

Long queues have begun building up on the Manchester side of the Pennines heading towards the motorway, with two-mile traffic reported heading towards junction 22 at Rishworth Moor heading back to Milnrow at junction 21.

The Highways Agency shared a picture from a traffic-monitoring camera to show vehicles being turned round in the opposite direction following the closure.

The agency tweeted: "The M62 is closed in both directions between J22 Denshaw and J24 near Huddersfield due to a Police incident.

"Any traffic within the closure is now being turned and released."

Images and footage from the closed motorway show as a police vehicle with lights flashing leads several HGVs the wrong way down the M62.

Traffic has built up on all surrounding routes now, with New Hey Road facing particularly heavy congestion.