A man whose body was found on a section of the M4 had been arrested after an online “predator sting” just hours before, it has been reported. The body was found between junction 20 at the Almondsbury Interchange with the M5 and junction 21, near Awkley, in south Gloucestershire, and several motorists had called 999 from 6:40pm on Saturday, February 22, to report an object on the road.
Avon and Somerset Police have now revealed that they understand from witnesses that a man in his 40s fell from a height. The force added that the man’s next of kin had also been notified and were being offered support. Now it has been reported by the BBC that the man was arrested but not charged by Avon and Somerset Police after an online “predator sting”.
They reported that police arrested the man on Friday night (February 21) after an “online child protection team” live-streamed accusations about him on social media. He was found dead on the M4 just hours after being accused by the group, the report claims.
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A statement by Avon and Somerset Police read: “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.” Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here
The statement added: “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.”
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The police force said a mandatory referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) had been made due to the contact with police.
The BBC also reported that the group that had earlier confronted the man also asked people to “allow his family to grieve in a respectful manner”.
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