A busy stretch of motorway was closed for more than three hours as police dealt with a 'concern for safety' incident.

Both the northbound and southbound carriageways of the M61, between junction nine for Brindle and junction six for Horwich were closed from around 5.30pm on Monday, as police dealt with the incident close to junction eight.

Delays and tailbacks reached junction five while diversions were put in place on the northbound carriageway at junction eight for Chorley.

A spokesperson for the police said: "The M61 is currently closed in both directions between junction nine (M61/M65) and junction six (Horwich) while we deal with a concern for safety incident.

"Please find an alternative route although surrounding roads are obviously busy."

At 8.30pm both carriageways were reopened.