THE M4 has been shut in both directions after a body was found on the carriageway.
The tragic discovery of human remains between junctions 20 and 21 has seen the busy motorway fully closed tonight.
Avon and Somerset Police said that the force was called at 6.40pm and human remains were found when officers arrived at the scene.
Enquiries are underway to identify the deceased and the road is expected to remain closed into the early hours of Sunday morning.
The slip roads to join the motorways at these junctions, heading towards the incident, are also closed.
Diversions are in place as drivers face large queues.
Traffic has been seen building up as motorists are forced to take different routes.
National Highways said the M4 was closed between the Prince of Wales Bridge and Junction 20 at Almondsbury.
A number of link roads have also been closed as a result.
The M48 is closed between the M4 and Junction 1 near the Severn Bridge.
The link from the M5 at junction 15 south to the M4 Junction 20 west, and the link from the M5 at junction 16 north to the M4 at Junction 20 west are also shut.
National Highways have confirmed diversion routes which will be in place during the police-led incident.
Avon and Somerset Police said in a full statement: “The M4 is closed in both directions after a body was found on the carriageway between junctions 20 (Almondsbury Interchange) and 21 (Awkley).
“Police were called at 6.40pm on Saturday 22 February by several drivers reporting something in the road. Officers attended and found human remains.
“Enquiries are underway to identify the deceased and notify next of kin, while an investigation to establish how the person came to be on the motorway continues.
“The road is expected to remain closed into the early hours of Sunday 23 February.
“Police are keen to hear from anyone who was travelling along that stretch of the M4 has any relevant information or dashcam footage.
“If you can help please call 101 and give the reference 5224047292.”
The M4 has been shut in both directions Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
