The M4 was closed in both directions on Saturday evening after drivers spotted human remains on the road. Avon and Somerset Police were called to reports from several drivers of something in the road between junction 20 (Almondsbury interchange) and junction 22 (Awkley) on at 6.40pm. Officers arrived to find a body.
The M4 near Bristol is likely to stay closed through to the early hours of Sunday, and the M48 has also been shut between junction 1 and the M4.
Police are investigating how the person came to be on the motorway. The road is expected to remain closed into the early hours of Sunday 23 February.
Police are keen to hear from anyone who was travelling along that stretch of the M4 and has any relevant information or dashcam footage. If you can help, please call 101 and give the reference 5225047292.
National Highways said in an alert on its website that road users caught within the closure "will be released by turning around under supervision of our Traffic Officers and police". It currently tells motorists that it is "a complex operation and will take time due to the location and volume of traffic".
Drivers are warned not to try and turn around until instructed to do so by either Police or National Highways Traffic Officers for their own safety, as well as that of the emergency services and other road users.
5 Comments
Loubianka
“While it’s inconvenient, I appreciate the careful approach to protect drivers and emergency responders.”
Katchuka
“The decision to keep the road closed until dawn is absurd. There’s no need to inconvenience thousands if it can be handled more quietly.”
Noir Black
“Instead of using alarming headlines, why not give us more details? This is just fear-mongering.”
Matzomaster
“I support the decision to close the motorway. It’s better to have a thorough investigation than to risk further harm.”
Karamba
“It’s a tough situation, but the authorities are doing what they must to ensure everyone’s safety on the road.”