HEAVY TRAFFIC is building on the M1 after reports of a police incident have resulted in the road being closed. 

Police revealed in a statement that this was due to a safety concern for a distressed man. 

A spokesperson fro West Yorkshire Police said: "Emergency services were called to the M1 junction 40 at Lofthouse at about 2.17pm today following reports of a man in distress on a barrier above motorway carriageways.

"Lane closures were put in place while police spoke with the male, and traffic diversions were established.

"He came down safely at about 3.46pm

"Officers are now in the process of reopening closed lane at the junction and police want to thank drivers for their patience and understanding."

The M1, West Yorkshire between J41-42 on the northbound had very slow traffic. 

The closure near Lofthouse caused several miles of traffic as West Yorkshire Police stopped access to the junction.

Inrix reported that traffic is now tailing back to J40 Ossett/ Wakefield.

National Highways confirmed by tweet that the closures were in fact due to a police incident.