Skip navigation

Gloucestershire Business News

Police issue plea to lorry driver seen close to scene of incident that forced M5 motorway closure

Investigations continue into the incident that saw a body discovered on the M5 motorway near Gloucester on Wednesday morning that saw the road closed for more than 12 hours.

Work is still ongoing to identify the deceased with the Police saying that could take "several days", although the force have confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious.

In an update to their investigation released on Friday lunchtime, Gloucestershire Constabulary have appealed for information to identify a lorry which was seen near to the scene on Wednesday.

A statement said: "Police received a call from a lorry driver at 4.09am that day to report something on the southbound carriageway, possibly an animal or a body, around a mile north of Gloucester services, between junctions 11A and 12.

"When the lorry driver pulled up on to the hard shoulder to report this to police there was already a lorry parked further ahead and police are keen to identify and speak to this driver as a witness.

"It is believed this lorry would have been stationary between 4am and 4.15am. No further details about the vehicle are known.

"At this time the death is not being treated as suspicious but an investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances around the death. Efforts are continuing to identify the person who died.

"The lorry driver, or anyone with information which could assist the investigation, is asked to call police on 101 and quote incident 34 of 30 October."

Road closures were in place on both carriageways for the majority of the day between junctions 12 and 11A while body and evidence recovery took place in extremely challenging circumstances.

The final single lane closure was lifted yesterday afternoon.

The investigation continues and officers are also 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 on Wednesday.

Information can be given to police by calling 101 and quoting incident 34 of 30 October.

Related Articles

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise Image

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise

Forest of Dean-based advanced engineering group Versarien saw its revenues halve last year.

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service Image

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service

Gloucester-based Freemans Event Partners has launched a brand-new around-the-clock foodservice logistics offer.

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court Image

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court

Just three offices are now available for rent at Elmbridge Court, following the latest letting.

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking Image

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking

Better parking and traffic control improvements for Cirencester residents and businesses.

Copyright 2024 Moose Partnership Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any content is strictly forbidden without prior permission.