Report of man 'sunbathing' on embankment of M61 near Bolton

Police received a report of a man "sunbathing" on the embankment of the M61 between junctions 5 (Hunger Hill) and 6 (Horwich).

Traffics officers were dispatched to check the area at around 12.57pm today (April 9).

A spokesperson for North West Motorway Police said: "We have taken a report of a male sunbathing on the embankment on the M61 between J6 and J5.

"Southbound Highways traffic officers making to the area to check."

It has now been confirmed the man's vehicle had broken down and he was awaiting recovery.

A spokesperson for Highways said: "The male was with a breakdown and awaiting recovery.

"The vehicle has now been recovered."

Lancashire Police announced today that officers will be on high-visibility patrol around the county this Easter, and will be quizzing both motorists and those on foot about their activities.

The ramping up of patrols comes as Lancashire remains the worst affected area in the North West for coronavirus.

With more than 1,000 people testing positive, the county has recorded twice as many confirmed cases as Liverpool and three times as many as Manchester.

But Lancashire Police said it will take a "common sense and proportionate approach" and will only use enforcement as a "last resort".