A man has been rescued from a motorway bridge following a police incident which closed part of the M66.

Three crews from Bury central, Whitefield and Heywood attended the scene just before 9am this morning.

The M66 was closed for just over two hours between J2 A58 Rochdale Road (Bury) and J1 A56 Walmersley Road (Ramsbottom).

Police were also in attendance and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) say the man is now “on the safe side of the bridge”.

A spokesperson for GMFRS said: “Just before 9am this morning (Sunday June 4), three fire engines from Bury central, Whitefield and Heywood fire station along with the Technical Response Unit from Ashton were called to reports of a man on a motorway bridge on Rochdale Old Road, Bury.

“Crews arrived quickly at scene.

"Firefighters worked to make the area safe and set up a 13.5-meter ladder and rope rescue equipment.

"The man is now on the safe side of the bridge.

 “Firefighters were in attendance for around two hours.”

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "At approximately 8:30am this morning (June 4) officers responded to reports of a concern for welfare of a male on Bell Lane in Bury.”

Rochdale Old Road in Bury was also closed either side of the motorway bridge with congestion continuing onto Coppice Street and Ferngrove.

The INRIX traffic system says that traffic has now returned to normal following the incident.

North West Ambulance Service have also been approached for comment to confirm their attendance.

There is still previous congestion to J3 Pilsworth Road.

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