THERE has been slow traffic on the East Lancashire Road this morning, Friday, after police were called to concern for the safety of a man at the roadside. 

Officers attended and spoke to a man at the side of the road near Haydock Island.

The East Lancs was closed eastbound from Millfield Lane to Haydock Island with traffic delays in the area.

The lanes have since been reopened with delays in the area and traffic being diverted. 

The man has been detained under the Mental Health Act and will be taken to hospital.

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A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "We were called at 7.10am to concern for safety of a man at the side of the East Lancs Road near Haydock Island.

"Officers attended and spoke to the man and he has now been detained under the Mental Health Act and will be taken to hospital.

"The East Lancashire Road reopened at 8.15am but there are currently delays due to traffic backup."

Live traffic tracker INRIX stated as of 8.30am: "Queueing traffic due to earlier police incident on A580 East Lancashire Road both ways between Millfield Lane and Haydock Island (Haydock).

"Congestion to routes through Haydock as traffic diverted

"All lanes have been re-opened."