M4 'human remains' believed to be that of man in his 40s as probe launched into grim discovery

A police investigation has been launched after human remains were discovered on a stretch of the M4 near Bristol. Avon and Somerset Police believe the body to be that of a man in his 40s, with his family having been informed.

The grim discovery was made between junction 20 at the Almondsbury Interchange with the M5 and junction 21, near Awkley, in south Gloucestershire. Several drivers dialled 999 from 6.40pm on Saturday to report something on the road, according to the force.

"Officers attended and found human remains," said Avon and Somerset Police. "An investigation to establish how the person came to be on the motorway continues."

READ MORE: M4 shut after body found on carriageway

A section of the M4 between junction 20 and junction 22 at the Prince of Wales Bridge over the River Severn was closed for several hours, as well as the eastbound section of the bridge and the M48 between the bridge and the M4.

National Highways said police started to release traffic caught on the M4 and M48 eastbound around midnight. The eastbound M4 was reopened around 1.30am on Sunday with the westbound closures removed about 3am, reports the Mirror.

Avon and Somerset Police have urged anyone who was travelling along that stretch of the M4 and thinks they may have valuable information or dashcam footage to get in touch.

For our live blog as the event unfolded, click here.