M61 motorway closed by Lancashire Police as officers conduct search for missing man David Henry
The motorway was closed for more than three hours while police conducted a thorough search of the area last night...
A stretch of the M61 motorway was closed last night as part of the ongoing search for missing local man, David Henry.
The motorway was shut to traffic between Junction 9, where it meets the M65, to Junction 30 of the M6.
The closure was first reported shortly before 9pm, and reopened at around 12.30am this morning (Thursday, July 23).
Lancashire Police confirmed the closure was part of the ongoing search for missing 45-year-old David Henry, who was last seen in Bamber Bridge a week ago.
A spokesperson for the force told the Post: “The motorway was closed as part of our search enquiries for David Henry who is missing from home. He remains missing and our enquiries to find him are ongoing.”
Search ongoing
David Henry, 45, was seen riding a black e-bike (pictured) in Brindle Road, heading in the direction of School Lane, at 9.26pm on Wednesday, July 15. He was reported missing 48 hours later on Friday.
Lancashire Police have since shared CCTV footage of David riding his bike at the top of Brindle Road, turning right into Cottage Lane at 10.04pm that same evening. He has not been seen since.
Lancashire Police said “his family are really worried about him” and officers have been carrying out enquiries to find him.
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The force has issued a public appeal and is urging anyone who sees David to call 999 immediately.
David is described as 6ft 2, average to medium build, and has tattoos on his arm. He was last seen wearing a dark coloured top, dark coloured shorts, sunglasses and carrying a dark backpack.
He has links to Leyland, Chorley, South Ribble and Preston.
A police spokesperson said: “We, and David’s family are really concerned about him, and are making every effort to find him, but need your help with our enquiries.
“If you see David please call 999 straight away. For non-immediate sightings or if you think you have captured footage of David on his e-bike please call 101 and quote log 533 of July 17, 2026.”
The force added: “David, if you see this appeal, please get in touch with the police or your family and let everyone know you are OK.”