A MAJOR police investigation was underway today after a seven-year-old boy was killed as he dashed across the M61.

Gary Cunliffe, of Seven Acres, Clayton Brook, was hit by a car in the outside lane of the motorway near the Bamber Bridge junction.

Police said he had been playing with a group of friends minutes before yesterday's "tragic accident".

Inspector John Spencer said: "There is no reason why a seven-year-old should have been crossing a motorway.

"A full police inquiry is now ongoing to determine all the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident."

The youngster was in an accident with a Nissan Primera driven by a 49-year-old Cheadle man, who has not been named.

Gary, a pupil at Clayton Brook Primary School, was taken by police helicopter to Royal Preston Hospital with head and internal injuries but died 10 minutes after arriving.

His mother Janet, 31, had just been elected chairman of the Clayton Brook Food Co-operative.

Former chairman Karen Martynuik said: "We are all devastated. We have been pushing for play areas in the village for years.

"This is not a case of a parent not looking after her children. There is nowhere for them to play. Children will be children and all our hearts go out to Janet and her family."

Coun Jean Crunshaw has vowed to contact Chorley Council about gaps in the fencing near the motorway.

Police are appealing for witnesses into the accident which happened at 2.50pm on the southbound carriageway.

Anybody with information should call 01257 791427.

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