A MAN has died after falling from a bridge over a motorway.

Police were called around 9.30am on Monday following reports a pensioner had fallen from a bridge above the motorway close to Junction 8 near Chorley.

A 76-year-old man from Chorley was found with serious injuries.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Sgt Dave Hurst said: “These are tragic circumstances and my thoughts are with the man who has died, as well as his family and friends, at this difficult time.

“We would encourage any motorists, travelling in the area around the time of the incident, to come forward if they have dashboard mounted camera footage which can assist our investigation.”

The roads near the M61 junction were closed for two hours while emergency services dealt with the incident.

An ambulance spokesman said: “We received a call at 9.16am. We did attend with a number of resources including an air ambulance, two ambulances and two advanced paramedics. No one was taken to hospital.”

A spokesman for police said: “All closures related to the incident have been lifted. Delays will start to clear.”