Young man found dead on M61 as police shut off motorway for hours

Emergency services shut the motorway just before 11pm
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A young man has died after police were called to a 'concern for welfare' report on the M61.

Emergency services rushed to the eastbound carriageway shortly before 11pm on Friday (October 11). The motorway was closed for nearly seven hours overnight in both directions between J2 for the M60 and junction 4 for the A6.

Police said a 24-year-old man was tragically pronounced dead at the scene, despite the best efforts of emergency services. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, police added, and his family are being supported by specially trained officers.

READ MORE: M6 traffic updates as motorway reopens after air ambulance called out to serious crash

A force spokesperson told LancsLive: "Shortly before 11pm on Friday 11 October 2024, we responded to a concern for welfare on the M61 eastbound carriageway beneath Cleggs Lane, Bolton. Unfortunately, a 24-year-old sadly died at the scene despite emergency services best efforts.

"His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. There are no suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

"The motorway has since reopened."

National Highways posted on X last night saying: "The #M61 in #GreaterManchester remains closed in both directions between J2 (#M60 /A666) and J4 (#A6) following a Police led incident."

On their website, they said: "North West Motorway Police group are leading the response to the incident and are in the process of carrying out police investigation work. National Highways Traffic Officers are in attendance assisting with traffic management.

"Traffic caught within closure has now been released in both directions. The closure is expected to remain ongoing into the morning whilst police investigations conclude, recovery and clean up of the carriageway will then take place."

The motorway reopened just before 7am.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter LANCS LIVE NEWS and get all the biggest stories from across Lancashire direct to your inbox