A MOTORWAY carriageway was closed in the early hours of this morning due to horses being in the road.

National Highways: Yorkshire first alerted people to the issue on X at 2.46am.

The four-legged animals were on the eastbound carriageway of the M62, between junction 31 (Normanton) and junction 32 (Castleford).

That side of the motorway was closed between those two junctions while the problem was dealt with.

A spokesperson for National Highways: Yorkshire said: "The M62 in West Yorkshire is closed eastbound between J31 Normanton and J32 Castleford due to horses in the carriageway.

"Delays are at least 30 minutes on approach.

"Please allow extra time for your journey. More information to follow, thank you for your patience."

The motorway carriageway reopened just over an hour later, at 3.57am.

The spokesperson said: "The M62 in West Yorkshire has reopened between J31 Normanton and J32 Castleford.

"Thank you for your patience, please have a safe onward journey."