THE M62 was closed in both directions following reports of a woman in the middle of the carriageway this afternoon.

The motorway was shut by emergency services near to junction nine at Winwick following concerns for the safety of the woman today, Wednesday.

Police confirmed that a 42-year-old woman has since been taken to hospital.

The motorway was reopened at around 4pm, but queues remained on the M62 and surrounding roads.

Tailbacks were reported to McDonalds on the Kerfoot Street junction of Winwick Road.