A TEENAGER who was hit by a car as he tried to cross the M61 near Horwich late at night has died in hospital.

Sean Green, aged 17, was surrounded by his family at Hope Hospital when he stopped breathing at 10pm on Wednesday night.

A decision was made by doctors and his parents to take him off a ventilator after he suffered chronic brain damage because of his injuries.

Heartbroken Michael and Sheila Green, of Whitsundale, Westhoughton, were too upset to talk about their son's death, but his uncle, Chris Green, said: "He was a typical fun-loving 17-year-old who loved spending time with his friends and he'll be very sadly missed by us all.

"All of his family want to thank the staff at Hope Hospital who have been brilliant."

Sean, a former St Joseph's RC School pupil and trainee mechanic, was hit by a Fiat Punto in the early hours of Sunday morning as he crossed the M61 between junctions 5 and 6.

He was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital and later transferred to Hope Hospital.

Police have launched an investigation into the crash.

Mr Green added: "His parents want anybody who knows anything about why Sean was on the motorway to get in touch with the police because they need to know what happened to him."

The 39-year-old driver of the car was not injured.

Anybody with information is asked to contact police on 0161 872 5050.

We have opened a Book of Condolence for Sean with the family's blesssing and you can add your tribute HERE