Greater Manchester Police has said that officers were called to reports of a concern for welfare on the M60The motorway was closed in both directions for hours(Image: Claire Swindles)

A teenager died on the M60 motorway in a fatal incident on Sunday (July 20), police have confirmed.

It was previously reported that a man had died on the motorway on Sunday afternoon, but police now say the fatality was that of a 15-year-old boy.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has said that officers were called to reports of a concern for welfare on the M60 yesterday, July 20.

‘Sadly, a 15-year-old boy died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed’, added the force.

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The motorway was closed in both directions between J19 for Middleton and J22 for Chadderton following the fatal incident near J20, just after 5pm on Sunday.

The road was gridlocked until the motorway reopened around 4am today (Monday).

The closure impacted thousands of Oasis fans heading to the band’s final homecoming show at Heaton Park.

Oasis fans ditched their cars and walked along the carriageway in a bid to make the concert after motorists became stuck in the M60 closure.

In a statement on Sunday, GMP said: “We’re warning of severe delays on the M60 tonight after a fatal incident earlier on Sunday.

“Both directions are expected to remain closed between junctions 19 and 21 until midnight.

“This may impact the thousands of people who are at tonight’s final Oasis concert at Heaton Park.

“We will have a large number of police resources on the motorway and on local roads to help minimise disruption for concertgoers, the public, and partners.

“We strongly advise people to avoid travelling in the area if they can.

“Those planning to travel must prepare for severe delays and plan their journey ahead.

“We thank the public for their patience and cooperation.”

A statement shared by National Highways yesterday read: “The M60 in Greater Manchester is closed in both directions, clockwise between J19 Rhodes Interchange (Middleton, Manchester (Cen) A576) and J21 Broadway Interchange (Chadderton A663). Anti-clockwise is closed between J22 Holinwood Interchange (Oldham, Failsworth A62) and J19.

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“This is due to a serious incident which has occurred within the J20 Alkrington Interchange (Blackley, Moston A664) Greater Manchester Police are leading the response to the incident and it is expected the road will be closed for a protracted period.

“North West Ambulance Service have also attended the incident. National Highways Traffic Officers are in attendance and assisting with traffic management.”