M5 reopens in Gloucestershire after body find forced closure

The body was discovered on the southbound carriageway shortly after 04:00 GMT

The M5 has reopened after the discovery of body closed a 10-mile stretch of the road.

It was discovered on the southbound carriageway shortly after 04:00 GMT resulting in the motorway being closed in both directions in Gloucestershire.

All lanes northbound and two lanes southbound have now reopened on the M5 between junctions 11A and 12 at Gloucester.

Police said "work was ongoing to identify the person found dead".

They said a temporary speed limit of 50mph was in place and lane one southbound would remain closed with a temporary speed limit of 40mph to allow police to continue further investigations on Thursday.

Ch Insp Alistair Barby, said: "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."

Gloucestershire Police had warned of "significant delays" due to the investigation