THE M61 has reopened after police responded to a "distressed woman" on the motorway between Walkden and Kearsley.

Drivers experienced delays while the southbound carriageway of the M61 was shut by traffic officers working at the scene.

A Greater Manchester Police spokeswoman said: "Officers had responded to a distressed woman who was between the embankment and the hard shoulder.

"The woman was led to safety."

The motorway was closed between 10.15am and 11.40am today, between Junction 4 for Walkden and Junction 3 for Farnworth and Kearlsey.

Highways England tweeted: "The police incident has concluded and the M61 is open again in both directions between Junction 4 and Junction 3. Thank you for your patience and understanding."