Man found dead on motorway ‘was arrested in predator sting’ hours earlier

Shocked motorists on the M4 alerted the police after the man 'fell from height'

Shocked motorists on the M4 alerted the police after the man 'fell from height' and was struck by passing vehicles over the weekend.

The victim, who is believed to be aged in his 40s, was discovered lifeless between junction 20 at the Almondsbury Interchange with the M5 and junction 21, near Awkley, in south Gloucestershire.

Avon and Somerset Police were called to reports of an object on the road at around 6.40pm on Saturday by several drivers.

Police closed the road as they investigated with the force issuing a statement saying they 'attended and found human remains'. His next of kin has been informed.

Now it has emerged that the man was reportedly arrested but not charged by Avon and Somerset Police after an online "predator sting".

According to the BBC police arrested the man on Friday night (February 21) after an 'online child protection team' live-streamed accusations about him on social media.

He was found dead on the M4 just hours after being accused by the group, the report claims.

A statement by Avon and Somerset Police read: "We understand from witnesses a man in his 40s fell from a height at around 6.40pm and was subsequently struck by vehicles travelling between junctions 20 (Almondsbury) and 21 (Awkley).

"The death is being treated as non-suspicious and his next of kin are being offered support during this difficult time. Our thoughts and sympathies remain with them.

"We would ask people not to speculate during this time and to respect the family’s privacy. We would like to thank people for their patience and understanding while the road closures were in place.

"We understand this would have had an impact on many road users and we thank you for bearing with us."

Due to the man's contact with police in the hours leading up to his death, the police have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC).