Motorway users have been warned to expect delays after a lane was closed by a “police incident” near Bolton.

The as yet unidentified incident happened on the M61 Southbound between junctions 5 and 4 in the Bolton area on the evening of Tuesday September 26.

An eye witness reported seeing emergency services called to the scene around St Helens Road over the M61.

The Bolton News:

He said: "There were several fire engines there and a lot of police cars."

National Highways North West reported the issue at just after 9pm that evening.

A statement said: “The M61 is closed southbound between J5 and J4 near Bolton due to a police incident.

“North West Motorway Police are in attendance and leading incident response.

“Please plan ahead and expect delays on approach.”

The affected area is found between junction 5, known as the Hunger Hill Interchange in Bolton and junction 4, known as the Watergate Interchange, found close to Logistics North.

Road users have been warned that congestion is likely to build up along the stretch of motorway as a result of the suspected incident.

They have been advised to travel by alternative routes where possible

No further details have yet been released about how many vehicles are believed by the authorities to have been involved.

Anyone with any information or any further concerns can call police on 101 or 999 in the event of an emergency.