The M62 is shut down (Image: MOTORWAY CAMERAS)
The M62 closed earlier following a crash after a high-speed police chase. Traffic had been stopped along the M62 between J26 near Cleckheaton and J27 for Birstall in the eastbound direction.
It comes after police were called to Wilson Avenue, Swinton, at around 10.30am following reports of a vehicle theft. The car overturned after it was pursued by police. It had collided with Greater Manchester Police’s tactical unit cars, and emergency vehicles quickly surrounded the site.
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Delay update
National Highways’ most recent update warns of 30-minute delays for drivers.
It says: “Scene clear. All closures have been removed. There are delays of around 30 minutes. These are expected to ease. Have a safe journey.”
Stolen vehicle was pursued by a helicopter
The vehicle was pursued by a helicopter but failed to stop. An 18-year-old man has been arrested.
All lanes reopen
Inrix is reporting that all lanes have reopened.
Police statement
Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: “Officers pursued the vehicle on to the M62 working alongside officers from West Yorkshire Police.
“The offending vehicle then collided with GMP TAU vehicles between Junction 26 and Junction 27 on the M62, causing damage to them.”
Players in FC Farsley and Berry Brow match stuck in traffic
Some players heading to a match between FC Farsley and Berry Brow have been stuck in traffic due to the incident. FC Farsley posted: “Not quite the matchday start we had planned! A number of Berry Brow’s players and their manager appear to have taken an unexpected detour and are currently stuck in standstill traffic on the M62!”
Vehicle collided with Greater Manchester Police’s tactical unit cars
The stolen vehicle collided with Greater Manchester Police’s tactical unit cars. Photos from the scene show the car overturned and surrounded by emergency vehicles.
Vehicle theft closes M62
Traffic along the M62 between J26 near Cleckheaton and J27 for Birstall in the eastbound direction. Police were called to Wilson Avenue in Swinton at around 10.30am today following reports of a car theft.
HORROR CRASH SHUTS DOWN MAJOR UK MOTORWAY AFTER HIGH-SPEED POLICE CHASE – CAR OVERTURNS AS EMERGENCY SERVICES RUSH TO SCENE
Motorists were left facing major disruption after a dramatic police pursuit ended in a multi-vehicle collision on one of Britain’s busiest motorways.
The incident unfolded on the M62 in West Yorkshire on Saturday, November 14, 2026, after officers chased a suspected stolen vehicle at high speed.
The dramatic crash forced authorities to close a major section of the motorway, bringing traffic to a standstill and leaving thousands of motorists facing lengthy delays.
An 18-year-old man was arrested following the incident, while emergency services rushed to deal with the aftermath.
The incident has once again raised questions about dangerous driving, police pursuits and the risks faced by innocent motorists on Britain’s roads.
M62 CLOSED AFTER DRAMATIC POLICE PURSUIT
The incident began at approximately 10.30am when Greater Manchester Police received reports of a vehicle theft on Wilson Avenue in Swinton.
Officers subsequently located the suspected stolen vehicle using assistance from the National Police Air Service helicopter.
The vehicle was spotted travelling along the M60 before continuing towards the M62.
Police attempted to stop the driver, but the vehicle failed to pull over.
A pursuit subsequently continued onto the M62, with assistance from West Yorkshire Police.
The situation took a dramatic turn between Junction 26, near Cleckheaton, and Junction 27, near Birstall.
The suspected stolen vehicle collided with Greater Manchester Police tactical unit vehicles, causing significant damage.
Photographs from the scene showed an overturned car surrounded by emergency vehicles.
MOTORISTS LEFT TRAPPED IN HUGE TRAFFIC QUEUES
The collision prompted National Highways to close the eastbound carriageway between Junctions 26 and 27.
Drivers approaching the affected section were forced to stop while emergency crews and investigators dealt with the incident.
Traffic queues stretched back several miles, with motorists reporting significant delays.
The disruption also affected people travelling to sporting events.
FC Farsley revealed that several players from Berry Brow and their manager had become caught in the traffic while travelling to their match.
The club joked on social media that it was not quite the matchday start they had planned.
National Highways arranged diversions using local roads while the motorway remained closed.
The affected section eventually reopened in both directions shortly after 3.30pm.
18-YEAR-OLD MAN ARRESTED
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that an 18-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.
He was taken into custody for questioning.
Police confirmed that the suspected stolen vehicle had collided with tactical aid unit vehicles during the pursuit.
A member of the public was taken to hospital with injuries that were not considered life-changing.
No serious injuries were reported in the initial police account of the incident.
Authorities have not suggested that the collision was a deliberate attack on police officers.
The investigation will establish the full circumstances surrounding the pursuit and collision.
POLICE PURSUITS UNDER FRESH SCRUTINY
The incident highlights the difficult decisions police officers must make when pursuing suspected offenders.
Officers must balance the need to apprehend suspects against the potential danger to other road users.
High-speed pursuits can create significant risks, particularly on busy motorways where vehicles are travelling at considerable speeds.
Police forces operate pursuit policies designed to assess and manage these risks.
These policies consider factors such as road conditions, traffic levels, the seriousness of the suspected offence and the behaviour of the vehicle being pursued.
The use of helicopter support can also help officers monitor vehicles and coordinate their response.
MOTORISTS URGED TO PLAN AHEAD
Although the M62 has reopened following the collision, the incident serves as another reminder of how quickly major motorway journeys can be disrupted.
Drivers are advised to check traffic conditions before setting off, follow diversion signs and avoid approaching accident scenes.
Motorists should also leave sufficient space between vehicles and follow instructions from police and National Highways personnel.
CONCLUSION: MAJOR MOTORWAY CHAOS AFTER POLICE CHASE
The dramatic incident on the M62 caused major disruption after a suspected stolen vehicle crashed into police tactical unit vehicles during a pursuit.
An 18-year-old man was arrested, while one member of the public was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-changing.
The motorway remained closed for several hours as emergency services dealt with the collision and investigators examined the scene.
Although the road has since reopened, the incident has highlighted the dangers of high-speed driving and the challenges police face when pursuing suspected offenders.
For the thousands of motorists caught in the resulting traffic chaos, Saturday’s journey became an unexpected nightmare. The priority now is ensuring that the circumstances surrounding the crash are fully investigated and that anyone responsible is held accountable.