M45 still closed after body find

Police searched a six-mile stretch of the motorway

A motorway in Warwickshire remains closed after a body was found on the embankment.

The M45 was likely to be closed in both directions, from the A45 to where it meets the M1 at junction 17, until 1700 GMT, the Highways Agency said.

Specialist officers were carrying out a "meticulous search" along a six-mile stretch of the M45, police said.

The motorway was closed on Tuesday lunchtime as officers investigated the find near Dunchurch.

It was hoped that it would reopen at 1400 GMT but the closure was extended by three more hours, the Highways Agency said.

'Ensure safety'

Warwickshire Police said they were alerted by fire crews who went to the scene after reports of a blaze but discovered what they believed to be a body.

The carriageways have been closed to ensure the safety of officers at the scene.

Police want to hear from any witnesses or anyone with information about the incident.

Officers said they particularly wanted to hear from a man who reported the fire to Highways Agency workers on the M45.

Det Supt Adrian McGee, who is leading the investigation, said: "Enquiries are at an extremely early stage and officers are examining CCTV footage of the motorway.

"Most importantly I would appeal for anyone who was on the M45 yesterday afternoon between 12.30pm and 1.30pm, to contact the incident room which has been set up."