A woman has been found dead on the M6, with a stretch of the busy UK motorway set to be closed for hours. Greater Manchester Police said a woman had been pronounced dead at the scene after the force was called at 7.42am on Friday to reports of concerns over a person's welfare. The M6 has now come to a standstill between junctions 23 at Haydock and 26 at Orrell. National Highways said on X: "Current info from scene indicates the M6 will remain closed for a number of hours. Updates to follow soon." On its website, the organisation added: "Due to the nature of the incident, there is currently no estimation for when the road will be reopen.

"We currently believe the M6 will remain closed throughout the day. Emergency services, including Greater Manchester Police, are in attendance. National Highways traffic officers are also on scene." Drivers on the M6 are facing further delays near junction 21, at Woolston, after a crash.

If you have been affected by this story or you need support, you can contact the Samaritans. Call 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org.

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