Police hunt for man after stolen car left smashed on the M61

The driver fled the scene after the crash around 4.40am this morning near junction 2 of the motorway

Author: Ellie LinfordPublished 18th Jun 2019
Last updated 18th Jun 2019

Police are hunting a driver who fled the scene of a crash on the M61 near Kearsley which closed the southbound carriageway through rush hour.

A badly damaged silver Chevrolet Captiva was abandoned in the first lane of the road that connects junction 2 of the motorway to the East Lancs Road (A580).

The car was stolen from the Clifton area of Salford shortly before the collision around 4.40am this morning.

Nobody's thought to be hurt.

Emergency vehicles on the M61

PC Phil Raymond, of GMP’s Salford district says, “I’d like to thank the public for their patience as we respond to this incident.

“The road remains closed so that essential work can take place to ensure the road surface and crash barriers are made safe following the collision.

“Our enquiries to trace the driver continue and I would urge any members of the public with information, or anyone with dashcam, to get in touch with police as soon as possible.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw a man in dark clothing walking near junction 13 of the M60 around the time of the collision."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 6108. Reports can be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.