POLICE have identified a man who was killed while walking on the M61 motorway.

Gary Wood, aged 30 from Blackburn, was walking on the motorway when he was hit by a car travelling southbound between Rivington North services and junction six at about 11.20pm last night.

His devastated family paid tribute to Mr Wood as a "loving son, brother, uncle and nephew."

In statement released by police, Mr Wood's family said: "Gary loved the outdoor life, he enjoyed fell walking, mountain climbing, mountain biking and also kept himself fit in the gym.

"Gary has a huge circle of friends and was loved by everyone who came into contact with him.

"He will be remembered as a fun, kind, honest and decent man.

"He was a loving son, brother, uncle and nephew and we are all devastated by his loss."

Mr Wood had been to a Tinie Tempah gig in Manchester with his friends before he collided with the Skoda Octavia.

Sergeant Lee Westhead from the serious collision investigation unit said: "We would urge anyone who knows anything about Gary's movements after he was last seen by his friends at a Tinie Tempah gig at the O2 Apollo theatre until the time of the collision, to contact police to help us piece together Gary's last hours."


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Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4741.