The northbound carriageways of the M5 motorway close to Gloucester have reopened, more than 12 hours after a dead body was found on the road in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Shortly before 6pm, Gloucestershire Police confirmed that the three northbound carriageways were open again, while lanes two and three of the southbound carriageway was also open.

In a brief statement, the force said: "A 50 mile an hour speed limit is in place past the scene on the northbound carriageway and a 40 mile an hour speed limit is in place past the scene southbound.

"Many thanks for everyone's patience."

Officers were called to the southbound carriageway shortly after 4am after receiving reports of a body in the road.

The body was found around a mile north of the Gloucester Services the road was closed to allow the body to be recovered and an investigation to take place.

In an earlier statement on Wednesday, Police issued an appeal for witnesses or drivers with dashcam footage who were driving on the road in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

A police statement said: "Investigating officers are keen to hear from anyone who travelled on either the northbound or southbound carriageways between junctions 11 and 12 between 3.45am and 4.20am.

"Officers attended the scene on the southbound carriageway around a mile north of Gloucester services, between junctions 11A at Brockworth and junction 12 for Quedgeley after a report was made to police shortly before 4.10am.

Diversions have been put in place and remain operating, but roads in the area around the motorway closure are reported to be far busier than normal.

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 30 September."