Suspected drug driver flees car sparking police manhunt alongside M6 motorway near Preston

Speed restrictions and queuing traffic was reported by motorists travelling on the M6 between Preston and Lancaster today (July 21).

The cause of the congestion was first reported as being caused by "pedestrians on the motorway" between junctions 33 (Hampson Green Interchange) and 32 (Broughton Interchange) at around 2.10pm.

It has now been confirmed by police that a suspected drug driver had decided to flee from their vehicle on foot after officers ordered them to stop, prompting a manhunt alongside the motorway.

The Lancashire Police Dog Unit and the drone team were deployed to locate the suspect - a Preston man in his 20s - who was found hiding in thick undergrowth on Stubbins Lane, Garstang.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "At around 1.50pm today (Tuesday) officers on patrol have signalled for a motorist to stop in the Claughton-on-Brock area, however the driver has decamped and made off on foot in the direction of the M6.

"He was seen on the hard shoulder of the motorway so we put a full closure of the motorway in place to ensure his safety.

"A man aged in his 20s and from Preston has been arrested on suspicion of driving – excess drugs. He remains in police custody."

Photos from the scene show motorists getting out of their vehicles as a result of the delays, and a man being arrested at the side of the carriageway.

Traffic was brought to a standstill for more than hour as a result of the incident.