23 February 2025 , 07:04
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The M4 and M48 have closed in both directions after human remains were found on the motorway near Bristol.
The body was discovered between junctions J20 (Almondsbury Interchange) and J21 (Awkley) north of Bristol on the M4.
Several drivers raised the alarm at about 6.40pm after seeing ‘something in the road,’ the police said.
When the officers arrived, they found human remains.
Avon and Somerset Police said: ‘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.
Where the M4 and M48 are closed after the body was found on the carriageway (Picture: Google Maps)
‘The road is expected to remain closed into the early hours of Sunday 23 February.
As a result, both motorways are closed to traffic near the Severn Bridge M48 and the Prince of Wales Bridge M4. The Severn Crossing remains open.
Drivers have been caught in the road closure. Traffic is being turned around in sections under the supervision of Traffic Officers and the police, National Highways said.
One motorist said on social media their family had been trapped in the road closure since 7pm without food, water or toilet facilities.
A woman said her elderly parents whose health would not allow them to stay there ‘for a significant time frame’ were stuck within the first few cars.
National Highways said turning vehicles around ‘is a complex and time consuming operation due to the volume of traffic and location.’
Motorists were told not to try to around ‘for your own safety’ until instructed to do so by the officers.
The M5 link road is also shut south to M4’s junction 20 west, National Highways said.
Motorists travelling between England and Wales across the two bridges should prepare for long delays as the routes are partially cut off.