A 'number of road closures' are in place in Bolton this afternoon after a serious crash.
Officers said the closures are in place around the junction of Tonge Moor Road and Thicketford Road. Police and paramedics are currently on the scene.
People are being urged to avoid the area and drivers should 'use alternative routes'. GMP confirmed the crash was between a HGV and a motorbike. The force's Serious Collision Unit is now involved in the investigation.
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A spokesperson said: "At around 12:25pm today (Tuesday 21 November 2023), officers were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving a HGV and a motorcyclist on Tonge Moor Road in Bolton. Officers and other emergency services are currently at the scene and road closures will remain in place while further enquiries are conducted."
A post on the GMP Bolton Facebook page said: "#CLOSURE | There are currently a number of road closures in place around the junction of Tonge Moor Road and Thicketford Road due to an incident. Please avoid the area and use alternative routes."
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Key Events
End of live coverage
That is the end of our live coverage of this incident.
Tonge Moor Road is expected to remain closed for a number of hours as police carry out further investigation work.
Keep an eye on the Manchester Evening News website for further updates.
How you can contact police
If you saw the incident, or know someone who does, you can contact police by calling 0161 856 4741 quoting reference number of 1526 of 21/11/2023.
Details can be shared on GMP's LiveChat function on our website: www.gmp.police.uk Alternatively you can report information to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Man dies in fatal crash, police confirm
Greater Manchester Police has confirmed that a 24-year-old man has tragically died in this incident.
A statement from the force said: "At around 12:20pm this afternoon (Tuesday 21 November 2023), officers were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving a HGV and a motorbike on Tonge Moor Road in Bolton.
"Officers attended the scene and despite the best efforts of the emergency services and the public, a 24-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering fatal injuries.
"GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward."
Heavy traffic remains
This is the latest update from Inrix: "A676 Tonge Moor Road in both directions closed, heavy traffic due to accident from Starkie Road to Sheriff Street. On-going since around 12:50."
Serious collision cops investigating crash
Greater Manchester Police's serious collision investigation unit is probing the crash, the M.E.N. understands.
Roads very congested
The surrounding roads around the closure look to be very heavy with traffic as rush hour gets underway, so it's best to avoid the area if you can.
Traffic update
This is the latest from Inrix: "A676 Tonge Moor Road in both directions closed, heavy traffic due to accident from Starkie Road to Sheriff Street. On-going since around 12:50."
Ambulance statement
We have a statement from NWAS. It says: "An ambulance, response car and an operational commander attended an RTC following a call at 12.21."
Extent of closure
The closure extends from the junction of Tonge Moore Road and Station Road to Tonge Moor Road and Crompton Way, according to Google Maps.
Thicketford Road is closed from the junction with Tonge Moor Road to its junction with Crompton Way.
There is heavy traffic in the area.
Tonge Moor Road remains closed in both directions
According to traffic site INRIX:
A676 Tonge Moor Road in both directions closed, heavy traffic due to accident from Starkie Road to Sheriff Street.
Note change of details. On-going since around 12:50. Sensors are now showing that the closure length has increased. Sensors are now showing that B6208 Thicketford Road is also closed."
Shop in area closing early due to the incident
Tonge Moor Road #Bolton is closed right outside our shop, for what seems like a road accident. Having spoken to the police it seems unlikely that any customers will be able to reach us today. We may therefore decide to close early. Please ring to check before travelling. pic.twitter.com/wD1EKhsGb0
— Little Wanderers (@LilWanderers) November 21, 2023
GMP statement: Police responding to crash between HGV and motorbike
In a statement, a GMP spokesperson said:
"At around 12:25pm today (Tuesday 21 November 2023), officers were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving a HGV and a motorcyclist on Tonge Moor Road in Bolton.
"Officers and other emergency services are currently at the scene and road closures will remain in place while further enquiries are conducted."
Road remains cordoned off
Tonge Moor Road remains cordoned off by police this afternoon, with paramedics also on scene.
Both GMP and NWAS have been contacted for further information.
Picture of the police cordon this afternoon
Reports of a crash
Eyewitnesses are reporting that there has been a crash at the juntion of Tonge Moor Road and Thicketford Road.
We are awaiting details from GMP.
Tonge Moor Road shut in both directions
According to traffic alert service Inrix, Tonge Moor Road is currently shut in both directions.
It is blocked between Thicketford Road and Sheriff Street.
