A 68-YEAR-OLD man has died after being hit by a lorry on the M61 in the early hours of this morning.

The man was hit by the vehicle on the M61 northbound, just north of Rivington Services between junctions 6 and 8 at about 1.30am.

It is thought that the man, who has been named as Stephen Hayes from Blackpool, was on foot on the motorway after earlier visiting Rivington Services.

Mr Hayes is the second person to be killed while walking on that stretch of the motorway in just over a week.

His death follows that of 30-year-old Gary Wood, from Blackburn, who was hit by a car as he travelled home from a Tinie Tempah gig in Manchester.

Police are now investigating the circumstances of the incident and are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.

Sgt Finn Quainton, from the road policing unit, said: “We are still trying to piece together exactly what has happened and why Mr Hayes has come to be on foot on the motorway.

“I would urge anyone who was in the area at the time, who may have any information, to come forward.

“We have informed Mr Hayes’ next of kin and specially trained officers have been with the family and continue to offer their support through this very sad and difficult time.”


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The motorway was closed between junctions 6 and 8 of the M61 northbound overnight.

Lanes two and three were later re-opened, then the motorway was fully reopened by 9am.

Glen Jolley, a manager at Subway at the services, said: "I have just seen traffic starting to move for the first time about five minutes ago.

"It looks like the police have opened two of the three lanes, and the services are now open again."

The lorry driver has not been arrested.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101.