Man dies after being struck by 4 cars when 'walking along M66' near Bury

A man has died after he was struck by four cars as he walked on the M66 motorway near Bury in the early hours of the morning. The fatal smash was said to have taken place at about 2am BST on Saturday 13 August when he first hit by a white Audi A5 travelling northbound.

The fatal collision took place on the motorway between junctions 1 and 2 in the town with officers discovering a man who had suffered fatal injuries and four damaged vehicles on the road. He was declared dead at the scene.

Officers say that man has been identified and his family informed although his name and age have not yet been released to the media. Greater Manchester Police say a man, aged 19, has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and remains in police custody.

The impact is believed to have been so severe that the man was thrown from the northbound carriageway onto the southbound carriageway where he was hit by three more cars. Emergency services closed the motorway in both directions and remained at the scene overnight and while the investigation continued.

Sergeant Helen Hallworth, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "We believe we have identified this man and we have now spoken to his next of kin.

"However, we still need witnesses who may have seen this man walking up the motorway to contact us as a matter of urgency. As ever, any dash cam footage would be gratefully received, but at this stage any information from eyewitnesses would greatly help us with our investigation into this man's tragic death."

The motorway remains closed southbound between J1 at Ramsbottom and J2 for Bury with diversions in place, leading to considerable delays. The North West Motorway Police said it hopes to reopen the carriageways on Saturday afternoon.