M1 closed in both directions near Wakefield due to "serious incident"

The normally busy section of the M1 was traffic-free after vehicles were held by the emergency services

A section of the M1 motorway near Leeds was closed for several hours due to a "serious incident".

Earlier, National Highways completely shut the motorway between junctions 41 and 40 near Wakefield.

West Yorkshire Police, Yorkshire Ambulance Service paramedics and National Highways traffic officers were sent to the scene.

Both carriageways have since reopened but highways officials warned drivers that delays may remain the area.