The man, who is believed to be in his 40s, was found dead after reportedly ‘falling from height’ onto the busy M4 motorway in Gloucestershire, with police confirming he was arrested earlier

A man was found dead on the busy M4 motorway after having been arrested earlier that day following a “predator sting” operation, according to reports.

Drivers on the M4 were left in shock when they alerted police to a man who “fell from height” and was hit by oncoming traffic over the weekend.

The deceased, believed to be in his 40s, was found between junction 20 at the Almondsbury Interchange with the M5 and junction 21 near Awkley in South Gloucestershire.

Avon and Somerset Police responded at approximately 6.40pm on Saturday to calls from several motorists about an object on the road.

When officers arrived, they discovered human remains; the road was “fully closed” during the investigation. His next of kin have been informed after emergency services attended the scene.

The man had reportedly been detained but not charged by the police following a sting by an online “predator group”. The BBC has reported that he was apprehended on Friday night (February 21) post allegations broadcast via social media by an “online child protection team”.

Having been accused by the group, it’s claimed that he met his death on the M4 only hours later, reports the Mirror.

Avon and Somerset Police have released a statement confirming: “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.”

They further urged: “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.”

Additionally, the police noted that they have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior contact with the police. Following the incident, the group who confronted the man took to social media to request that people respect his family’s privacy and allow them time to grieve.