Police have explained what caused long delays on Thursday evening to the north of Preston on the M6.

A car was spotted around 8pm by police heading north between Junction 32 and Junction 33.

The police car was undertaken at high speed by a Ford Focus which continued to driver dangerously undertaking other vehicles using the hard shoulder and was clocked doing 130mph.

Read more: Police appeal to trace motorists caught up in M6 lorry crash between J31 and J32

The car was abandoned within roadworks and two people ran off into fields and were tracked by the police helicopter close to the railway line near Garstang.

A police spokesperson said: “The pair managed to get on to the railway line from where rocks were thrown at police.

“A train also had to stop as the man stood in front of it smoking a cigarette!

“Following the stand-off, the two were arrested.”

Read more: Appeal to find brave members of public who helped girl at M6 bridge near Leyland

A man aged 33 from St Helens has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, drink driving, failing to stop and trespass on the railway. He remains in custody.

Rebecca Mitchell, 21, of Vicarage Road, Haydock has been charged with Trespass in proximity of railway / on railway property. She will appear at Preston Magistrates court on January 5, 2024.

The public were thanked for their understanding and co-operation during the incident.

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