Police have discovered human remains on a motorway near Bristol, leading to the closure of portions of two motorways in both directions.

Several drivers contacted the police after spotting something on the road between junctions 20 and 21 of the M4 at 6.40pm on Saturday.

Upon arrival, Avon and Somerset police officers found human remains they believe to be of a man in his 40s.

This section of the M4, between Almondsbury and Awkley, has been closed in both directions. The M48 has also been closed in both directions between junction 1 and the M4. Additionally, links from the M5 to the M4 are shut down.

The closures, expected to cause significant delays in and out of Wales, are likely to remain in place until the early hours of Sunday morning, according to the police.

The force stated, “Enquiries are underway to identify the deceased and notify next of kin, while an investigation continues to determine how the person ended up on the motorway.”

“Police are urging anyone who was traveling along that stretch of the M4 to come forward with any relevant information or dashcam footage.”

The road closures started on the English side of the Prince of Wales Bridge and the Severn Bridge.