Overview
- Greater Manchester Police were called at 7:42am to reports of a concern for a woman's welfare on the motorway near Wigan.
- All traffic was stopped around 8:15am and the M6 remains shut in both directions between Junctions 23 (Haydock) and 26 (Orrell/M58).
- National Highways warns the closure is likely to last for hours with delays of up to 60 minutes and multi‑mile queues on both approaches.
- Diversions are in place via the M58, A570 Rainford Bypass and A580 East Lancashire Road, and drivers are urged to avoid the area.
- The incident occurred on the southbound carriageway between J25 and J24 near Ashton‑in‑Makerfield, and Downall Green Road is also closed in connection with the response.