THE M65 was closed for an hour last night after a drunk man was spotted hanging over the edge of the bridge at junction 11 near Burnley.

Police said the motorway was shut at around 1.45am after a passer-by reported seeing the man near the roundabout, sat with his legs dangling over the westbound carriageway.

Inspector Ian Roberts said: “Patrols attended and engaged the 24-year-old man, who was under the influence of alcohol at the time.

“Following conversations with police the man was talked into climbing over the fence back away from the motorway.”

The motorway was reopened around 2.40am.

Inspectors Roberts added: “The man is currently in custody and there will be an assessment as to his mental health issues when he is sober.”