Lancashire Police have launched an investigation after a woman's body was discovered on the hard shoulder of the M55 motorway near Blackpool, leading to a five-hour closure of the busy route.
The force received a report at approximately 10.20pm on Monday, August 10, expressing concern for a woman's welfare. Just ten minutes later, at around 10.30pm, a motorist travelling towards Blackpool contacted police after spotting what they believed to be a body on the hard shoulder.
Body Found Between Junctions 1 and 2
Officers were dispatched to the scene between junctions 1 and 2, near the Broughton interchange, where they located the body of a woman. The motorway was shut down for approximately five hours while emergency services dealt with the incident and conducted initial enquiries.
In a statement, Lancashire Police confirmed the discovery: 'Officers attended the scene, between junctions 1 and 2 near to the Broughton interchange, where very sadly we can confirm they found the body of a woman. Enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances.'
Police Appeal for Information
The force has not yet released the woman's identity or the cause of death, stating that investigations are ongoing. Authorities are appealing for any witnesses or motorists who may have seen something suspicious in the area to come forward.
The M55 is a major route connecting Preston to Blackpool, and the closure caused significant disruption during the evening and overnight hours. Traffic was diverted while police conducted their work at the scene.
This incident is the latest in a series of police investigations across the UK, following recent reports of a British teenager who died in a boat explosion in the Caribbean and a student police officer arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and rape.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Lancashire Police. The investigation remains active as officers work to piece together the circumstances leading to the woman's death.
