Motorway junction closed as emergency services called to 'concern for welfare incident'

One of the main routes into Bury was closed for several hours this evening as emergency services dealt with an incident.

Police, paramedics all attended the scene near junction 2 of the M66, just after 7pm, in response to a 'concern for welfare incident.' The Manchester Evening News understands there was a man on a bridge in the area and he was brought to safety at around 10pm.

The exit sliproad on the northbound carriageway of the M66, which leads onto the Rochdale Road roundabout, was shut off for around three hours as emergency crews dealt with the incident.

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A large number of ambulances, fire engines, including water units, and police vehilcles were pictured at the scene. Locals said scores of drivers at the busy junction were diverted.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At just after 7pm on Saturday (December 28) two fire engines from Whitefield and Bury fire stations plus the technical response unit from Ashton fire station and specialist water incident units from Heywood and Eccles fire stations were called to assist police with a concern for welfare incident on the M66 near to junction two.

“Crews were in attendance for around three hours.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said they were called to a 'report of a concern for a male.' The man is now 'safe and well' and 'emergency services will be clearing away from the area shortly' the spokesperson added.

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