Pedestrian killed by lorry in motorway crash

Emergency services were called to the M40, between Stokenchurch and High Wycombe, in the early hours of Thursday morning

A pedestrian in his 40s has died after being hit by a lorry on a motorway.

Police said he died at the scene of the crash on the southbound carriageway of the M40 between junction five for Stokenchurch, and junction four for Handy Cross, Buckinghamshire, at about 00:20 GMT on Thursday.

Thames Valley Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after it received an emergency call at about 23:40 on Wednesday with concerns over the man's whereabouts, it said.

Police said his next of kin were being supported by specially trained officers.

Supt Matthew Bullivant said: "We are investigating this incident, and the circumstances surrounding it, as a priority and have already made a referral to the IOPC.

"I would ask people to please avoid participating in any speculation surrounding the circumstances of this tragic death, especially on social media, out of respect to the family at this difficult time."

He appealed for any witness to get in touch.

"If anyone was in the area and saw a black Mitsubishi Outlander parked on the hard shoulder at around 23:30 on Wednesday, please contact us", he added.