WORCESTERSHIRE motorists are being warned that a section of the M5 in Gloucestershire is closed in both directions after a body was found on the carriageway.
Officers have closed the motorway between junctions 11A at Brockworth and junction 12 for Quedgeley.
The incident was reported shortly before 4.10am this morning.
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Officers attended the scene, on the southbound carriageway around a mile north of Gloucester Services, and have closed both sides of the motorway while the body is recovered and a serious investigation takes place.
Diversions have been put in place but significant disruption are expected this morning and is likely to last for a number of hours while police continues its work at the scene and establish the circumstances.
Anyone who may have information but hasn't spoken to police should call 101 and quote incident 34 of October 30.
Gloucestershire Police specialist capabilities chief inspector Alistair Barby said: "We appreciate that these closures have caused a significant impact on people travelling in the area today and I would like to thank everyone for their continued patience throughout this.
"Our officers remain at the scene investigating the circumstances of what has taken place and we have had a number of people contact us with information following our appeals.
"We're working to get the roads open as soon as possible and hopeful that the northbound carriageway will be opened later this afternoon and we will keep you updated on this.
"Our officers are also being supported and assisted by colleagues from both Wiltshire Police and Avon and Somerset Police and I would like to pass my thanks on to them.
"While we understand how much impact these closures are having, someone has died and it is our responsibility to get answers for their family as to what has happened, while also protecting the dignity of the person involved.
"The investigation continues and we are still keen to hear from anyone who has not yet contacted police who travelled between junctions 11 and 12 on either carriageway between 3.45am and 4.15am today.
"Information can be given to police by calling 101 and quoting incident 34 of September 30."
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