M5 police closure: Body of man found dead on motorway

Officers were first called to the M5 at around 6.05am on Saturday morning, November 2, after reports of a body being found.

The motorway was quickly closed by police between junctions 8 and 9 in a rapid emergency response.

Over nine hours on from the discovery, Gloucestershire Constabulary has now confirmed that the male whose body was found had died at the scene.

In a statement issued to the public, a spokesperson for the police force said: "It is believed that a man in his 30s fell from an over bridge onto the carriageway below.

"He was pronounced dead at the scene and his death is deemed to be non-suspicious.

"The man's next of kin are aware and being supported by specially trained officers.

The M5 and nearby M50 was brought to a complete standstill due to the rapid road closure (Image: National Highways) "Officers are asking anyone who was travelling along the M5 at around 6am and has any information or footage they feel is relevant to make contact."

The appeal for witnesses comes after the M5 was closed for more than nine hours on Saturday, causing standstill traffic and delays in the Cheltenham and Gloucester area.

Motorists from Wiltshire travelling towards Gloucester have also been affected, and are urged to continue following diversion routes put in place until the road closure is lifted.