M6 LIVE: All traffic stopped as man dies amid police incident on motorway - updates

All traffic has been stopped on a stretch of the M6 motorway this morning amid a 'police-led incident'.

Traffic was first stopped in both directions on the motorway between junctions 25 and 26.

The air ambulance landed on the scene, National Highways said.

Traffic has since been released on the northbound carriageway, but the southbound side remains closed.

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It is shut from junction 26 for the M58 Orrell Interchange to junction 25.

Long queues are building in the area, with drivers being urged to allow extra times for their journeys.

National Highways said initially: "Traffic on the #M6 is stopped in both directions between J26 (#M58) and J25 #Ashton due to a Police led incident.

"Emergency services including Air Ambulance on scene. Delays building in both directions so allow extra journey time."

A new post on X added: "Traffic on the #M6 northbound between J25 (#Ashton) and J26 (#M58) has been released past the scene.

"The southbound carriageway is now closed for a Police led incident. Emergency services continue to work at scene. Please allow extra journey time."

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Specialist officers are continuing to investigate on the scene on the M6.

The southbound side remains shut from J26 to J25.

A GMP spokesperson said:

"Around 10.15am this morning we were called to a concern for welfare report on the M6 between junctions 25 and 26.

"Sadly a man was pronounced dead at the scene.

"A scene will remain in place whilst enquiries are ongoing."

Road users are advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol on road signs:

• Leave M6 SB at Jct 26.

• At M6 Jct 26/M58 Rbts, take first exit off first Rbt and