Body closes Severn Bridge

The old Severn Bridge was closed from the Welsh side

The M48 Severn Bridge has partially re-opened while police investigate the suspicious discovery of a body on the crossing.

Avon and Somerset Police said the white man's body was found at approximately 0300BST on the westbound carriageway.

It was taken to Southmead Hospital, Bristol, and a post mortem examination will be carried out.

The police investigation will seek to determine how the man died.

Earlier, Gwent Police were called on to shut the Welsh side of the crossing.

Two years ago, an extensive police search was carried out after a student from south Wales disappeared.

Abduction

The body of Nicholas Boy, 21, from Cowbridge, was found in the River Severn some time after his car was found at Aust Services by the bridge.

A murder inquiry was initially launched by South Wales Police after two anonymous letters were received claiming Mr Bloy had been abducted by a drug dealer in the Bristol area.

The old Severn Bridge is still an important crossing for heavy goods vehicles between Wales and the Midlands.

The 'new' £200m Second Severn Crossing has lightened the traffic load on the old bridge, which was prone to closing in adverse weather conditions.