Closures on the M60 were lifted after seven hours last night.

Police closed off the motorway between junctions 19 and 21  anti-clockwise at the start of the rush hour traffic due to what is understood to be concerns for the welfare of a man.

The closure caused long delays and diversions were put in place before the carriageway reopened at around 12.30am today.

Emergency services were called to the road at around 5pm. Both carriageways were closed with the clockwise carriageway reopening after around 30 minutes.

National Highways North West worked with North West  Motorway Police to get motorists turned around and onto a different route.

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The North West Motorway Police also during the incident urged drivers to remain inside their vehicles.