A man in his 40s was found dead on the M4 motorway in Gloucestershire after reportedly falling from height, having been arrested earlier the same day following allegations linked to an online "predator sting" operation. The incident occurred on Saturday, 22 February at approximately 6.40pm, with calls made to the police from motorists who observed a body on the roadway between junction 20 at Almondsbury Interchange with the M5 and junction 21 near Awkley.
Emergency services responded promptly, and the area was subsequently closed off while police conducted an investigation. Upon their arrival, officers confirmed the discovery of human remains. Following the incident, next of kin have been informed, and police have expressed their condolences, stating, "Our thoughts and sympathies remain with them." They also emphasised the importance of respecting the family's privacy during this time of mourning.
According to reports, the deceased man had been arrested the previous night, 21 February, by Avon and Somerset Police, following accusations made by an online child protection team. This group allegedly live-streamed accusations against the man on social media, prompting his arrest, although he was later released on bail. It has been indicated that the events leading to his death transpired just hours after these accusations were made public.
The police have classified the death as non-suspicious, but due to prior police contact, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC), which investigates matters in which there has been police involvement and subsequent fatalities. In their official statement, Avon and Somerset Police encouraged the public not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident and thanked road users for their patience during the temporary road closures.
The predator group that confronted the man has also urged people online to offer respect to his family during their time of grief, highlighting the sensitive nature of the situation. Further details surrounding the circumstances of the man's actions and the events leading up to his death remain under investigation.
Source: Noah Wire Services