Detectives investigating the discovery of a body on the M5 motorway near Gloucester last week believe they have now identified the person who died.

The motorway was closed for more than 12 hours on Wednesday morning after the discovery of a body on the southbound carriageway, a mile north of Gloucester Services.

A detailed investigation began in the immediate aftermath of the discovery of the body at around 4am in the morning.

In a statement, Gloucestershire Police have revealed that they "believe the body to be that of a 66-year-old woman from Gloucester who was reported missing", later on Wednesday morning.

Her next of kin has been informed. Officers are not treating the death as suspicious and are compiling a report for the coroner.

In the brief statement, Gloucestershire Constabulary said that the investigating officers, "would like to thank everyone who responded to appeals for information and dashcam footage following the incident, and road users for their patience and understanding whilst the initial investigation was under way."

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