The body of a man was found on the M61 in the early hours of this morning. Police were called to reports of a concern for welfare of a man on the M61, near Bolton, at about 4.30am today (January 4).
Emergency services attended the scene, at junction 6 for Middlebrook, and found the man's body. There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
Greater Manchester Police has launched an investigation into the tragic incident, which has led to the motorway being closed for more than 12 hours.
The M61 has been shut between junction 6 and junction 5 for Westhoughton throughout today. Diversions remain in place this evening.