POLICE have identified a person killed on the M5 near Wellington as a 34-year-old man from Northamptonshire.

The man, who police described as a 'male pedestrian' was declared dead at the scene after being hit by a lorry. His next of kin have been informed.

The incident involved a number of vehicles, including two HGVs and caused the motorway to be closed between junctions 26 and 27 in both directions for much of the day while a forensics investigation was carried out.

The incident was reported at around 5.30 am, and is is understood to have taken place on the northbound carriageway, which remained closed until 4 pm. Officers from Devon and Cornwall's Roads Policing Team, who led on the incident, thanked drivers for their patience while the closure was in place.

Diversionary routes caused traffic chaos in Wellington as National Highways diverted drivers into the town. Queues of traffic formed in the town centre and came to a standstill on the relief road.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses or anybody with footage of the incident to come forward. A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said:

"If you witnessed the incident or have any information or dashcam footage that could help with enquiries, please contact police via our website here or by calling 101 quoting log 139 of  06/09/2023."