Major motorway closes for 12 hours after police find man dead & launch investigation
A MAJOR motorway was closed for 12 hours today after police found a man dead on the road.
Cops were called to reports of a concern for the welfare of a man on the M61 at approximately 4:30am this morning.
Emergency services attended the scene at junction 6 on the M61 southbound where they discovered the deceased male.
There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
The Serious Collision Investigation Unit and Bolton CID are currently undertaking a joint investigation.
Officers are now appealing for any witnesses who may have been present in the area at the time to make a report to police.
This includes appealing to anyone who may have relevant dashcam footage.
You can make a report by calling 0161 856 5757 quoting incident number 438 of 4/1/25.
The M61 had been closed in both directions between junction 6 at Middlebrook and junction 5 at Westhoughton due to the investigation.
National Highways however confirmed just before 7pm this evening that the road has now “fully” re-opened northbound, although the southbound carriageway is still being cleared.