Major motorway routes between England and Wales have been closed following the discovery of human remains along the carriageway.
The M4 was shut in both directions between Junctions 20 and 22 near the Prince of Wales Bridge while sections of the M48 were also closed.
The closures, which began around 6.40pm yesterday after multiple drivers reported seeing a body on the road, caused significant disruption to travel across the border.
Police and National Highways officers worked together to manage the scene between Almondsbury and Awkley after receiving multiple reports from drivers on Saturday.
Those travelling along the busy motorways have been warned of significant delays to their journey
National Highways
Police discovered human remains on the carriageway between Junctions 20 and 21 of the M4 in Gloucestershire.
The incident prompted immediate closures of both the M4 and M48, affecting the English side of the Prince of Wales Bridge and the Severn Bridge.
Links from the M5 Junction 15 south to the M4 Junction 20 west were also shut, along with M5 Junction 16 north to M4 Junction 20 west.
National Highways had warned drivers who were caught within the closure not to attempt turning around until instructed to do so.
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Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage from anyone who was travelling along the specific stretch of the M4 (Stock)
PA
“Road users caught within the closure will be released by turning around under supervision of our Traffic Officers and police,” a National Highways spokesman said.
“This is a complex operation and will take time due to the location and volume of traffic.”
Both police and National Highways Traffic officers stayed at the scene to manage the operation and it is reported the motorways reopened in the early hours of this morning.
Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage from anyone who was travelling along that stretch of the M4.
“Enquiries are underway to identify the deceased and notify next of kin, while an investigation to establish how the person came to be on the motorway continues,” a police spokesman said.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 5224047292.
