Breaking: M61 tragedy as man found dead after 'concern for welfare' report
Emergency services were called to the motorway at around 8.30am yesterday . The man in his 50s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene near junction five for Westhoughton.
Police said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. The incident resulted in a closure of the motorway in both directions with the southbound carriageway remaining blocked for several hours for investigation works.It led to several miles of congestion and long delays in the area with traffic being diverted onto the A6. All lanes on the M61 were reopened by around 12.30pm
In a statement to the M.E.N, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "Yesterday , at around 8:30am, officers received reports of concern for the welfare of a man in his 50s near junction 5 on the M61. "Despite the best efforts of emergency services, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death."