Teen killed on motorway in Burnley

The 18-year-old woman died after a collision with a van on the motorway at around 4am.

The woman, who police believe was a pedestrian, was in collision with the white sprinter van near Junction 10 on the eastbound carriageway.

The eastbound section of motorway between Junctions 9 and 10 was closed for three hours to allow accident investigation to carry out their work.

The woman has been identified and her family have been informed.

The driver of the van, a 48-year-old man from Burnley, was treated at the scene for shock.

Senior Investigating Officer Sergeant Tracey Ward, from the Road Policing Unit, said: “Although it was in the early hours of the morning, there may have been people driving on the motorway who may have witnessed what happened or spotted the woman.

“I would appeal for those people to come forward and get in touch. An investigation is underway to establish exactly what happened and why the woman was on the motorway.

“Her family have been informed and specially trained family liaison officers are supporting them through this terrible ordeal.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the road policing unit on 101.

The motorway was due to remain closed until 10am between Junctions 9 and 10 eastbound towards Colne. A diversion was in operation along the A679 Accrington Road.