LIVE: Stretch of M61 shut with emergency crews at scene as man 'seriously injured' - latest updates

A stretch of the M61 has been fully closed off this morning due to a 'police incident'.

The incident is on the southbound carriageway between junction five and four near Bolton. Traffic on the northbound carriageway has also been stopped, according to Highways England.

Officers are at the scene. Congestion is building up to the incident.

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A tweet posted by the North West Motorway Police said: "We are closing M61 both carriageways between junction 5 and junction 4 due to a police incident - please be patient or leave network at j4 and j5."

Highways England said: "The #M61 is closed southbound between J5 and J4 near #Bolton due to a police led incident. @NWmwaypolice are managing the incident with #TrafficOfficers assisting with traffic management. The northbound carriageway has been temporarily stopped."

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The northbound carriageway has now been re-opened.

The southbound carriageway remains fully shut between junction 5 for Westhoughton and junciton 4 for Farnworth.

A GMP spokesperson said:

"At around 8:30am this morning (12 October 2022), officers were called to on incident near junction 5 on the M61. Ambulance and police are attending and there is one man with serious injuries.

"Enquiries are ongoing at this time."

Road users travelling southbound are advised to follow the Hollow Square diversion symbol on road signs: