A BOLTON man who died after a crash on the M60 this morning has been named.

The three car collision occurred at around 3.30am between junctions 18 and 19 at Simister Island and Middleton Road.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police were called at 3.35am and 49-year-old Mohammed Amin from Bolton was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Ali is believed to have lived in Bolton his whole life, and is married with strong family ties to the town.

Imteyaz Ali, from Bolton Council of Mosques, said: "We are in communication with the family. It is unclear as to the cause of the accident, which is being investigated by police.

"The family are devastated at the loss of their loved one and are requesting privacy at this time. 

"The loss of anyone is difficult to comprehend, but sudden loss is always more difficult.

"Our prayers and thoughts are with his family and our burial team at Bolton Council of Mosques will assist with full burial once the body is released.

"We also have a counselling service at the mosque and we will support the family in any way we can."

Following the incident, two other men were taken hospital, one with a critical head injury and the other with serious injuries.

A North West Ambulance Service spokesman said that a man in his 50s was taken to Manchester Royal infirmary, and a second person was taken to Salford Royal.

It is understood that a black Audi A3 driven by Mr Amin had been travelling in the middle lane when it collided with the central reservation, before coming to a stop in the middle lane.

An unknow car drove past a short time later, pulling up in the hard shoulder and surveying the scene, before driving off.

Minutes later the Audi was involved in a second collision with a Ford Focus and a VW Caddy Van.

Police are urging the driver of the unknown vehicle who drove past the initial incident to come forward and assist enquiries.

There are no suggestions of any wrongdoing by the driver, and enquiries are ongoing.

The anti-clockwise carriageway between the junctions has now reopened after it was closed to allow for clean-up operations.

Delays remain but traffic is starting to clear.

Senior Investigating Officer, PC Paul Joynson of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “We have been carrying out numerous enquiries since the tragic events of this morning and now have further information.

“It appears that there was an initial collision involving the Audi prior to a second  collision involving a further two vehicles.

“Between these two incidents taking place minutes apart, an unknown car stopped on the hard shoulder to observe what had occurred before leaving the scene a short time later. I would like to urge this person to please come forward and contact us and assist with our enquiries.

“I want to make it clear that this person is not in trouble but they may hold key information that may assist the investigation.

Sergeant Danny Byrne, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, added: “First and foremost I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family of the man who tragically died this morning.

“This is a devastating time for them and we are working to provide them with support from specially trained officers.

“I would also ask that anybody with information about the collision contacts the SCIU.”

Anyone with information should contact GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.