M67 CLOSED AFTER ROAD WORKERS DISCOVER SUSPECTED HUMAN REMAINS

Part of the M67 motorway in Tameside was closed following the discovery of suspected human remains near a bridge between junctions three and four. Road workers made the discovery shortly after 11pm on Monday, 3 August, and alerted officers. Greater Manchester Police said detectives believe they have identified the remains and are working with specialist teams to establish the circumstances. The eastbound carriageway between junctions three at Hyde and junctions four at Hattersley remained closed throughout Tuesday, 4 August, whilst the westbound carriageway reopened at 9am.

National Highways stated the motorway was likely to remain closed for most of the day due to the nature of the incident. A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "We are working with specialist teams to understand the circumstances behind this incident. The road will be closed between junctions three and four while detectives carry out their investigation." Officers remained at the scene throughout the morning as the investigation progressed. Drivers were advised to avoid the area whilst the force promised to provide updates as information became available.

The closure coincided with a separate serious road traffic collision on the A628 Woodhead Pass in South Yorkshire, between Hollingworth and the A616 Flouch roundabout. That incident resulted in one death, with a BMW driver in his 20s confirmed dead following a collision with a Mercedes-Benz. Three passengers from the BMW and the Mercedes driver were taken to hospital with serious injuries. The Woodhead Pass later reopened, though the A628 remained closed at Tintwistle between Mottram Moor and Old Road.