A TEENAGER died after walking into the path of oncoming traffic on the M61 near Chorley this morning.

The incident happened at 9.48am when Kane Fairbrother was hit by a HGV on the northbound carriageway close to Bolton West services.

Kane, from Horwich, died at the scene.

He left Rivington and Blackrod High School in May having finished his GCSEs.

He was due to start a plumbing apprenticeship at Bolton College in September.

Kane had an interest in BMX bikes, repairing and riding them, as well as playing video games.

He leaves behind a mum and dad, brother and sister, a step sister, aunt and uncle, six cousins, two sets of grandparents and a great aunt.

In a short statement released through the police, Kane's family said: "He was a loveable young lad and he will be dearly missed."

The motorway was closed in both directions to allow an air ambulance to reach the scene.

Inspector Damian Kitchen from Lancashire Police Force Roads Policing Unit said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts go out to the young man’s family and friends."

There were heavy delays in both directions following the crash.

Lanes two and three were re-opened at 11am but lane one of the northbound carriageway remained closed until 1.30pm while police investigated.