M4 reopens after pedestrian killed near Cardiff

A pedestrian has died on the M4 motorway after being struck by a lorry.

Part of the motorway between Cardiff and Newport was shut for about nine hours after the man was struck by an articulated lorry at about 03:45 GMT.

South Wales Police said he died at the scene. The M4 was initially shut in both directions between Castleton and Coryton before it reopened eastbound.

The closure caused heavy congestion as traffic was diverted along the A48 and A470 through Cardiff.

Police said a Renault HGV had hit the man between junctions 30 and 32, north of Cardiff.

In a statement, they said: "The man was declared deceased at scene and his family are being supported by a specially trained liaison officer.

"Officers wish to thank members of the public who assisted at scene and for their patience during the road closures."

Anyone who saw the vehicle or the pedestrian prior to the collision is asked to contact police.

Police collision investigators have begun the painstaking work of trying to find out exactly what happened on this stretch of the M4 early this morning.

South Wales Police say a male pedestrian was declared dead at the scene. His family has been informed and a family liaison officer is supporting them.

A Marks and Spencer's delivery HGV, the hazard warning lights still flashing, is at a standstill in lane one of the westbound carriageway.

Around it, and some way down the lane, are dotted small yellow triangles, markers placed there by investigators. In time the reports they compile here will become evidence at an inquest.

The large blue tarpaulin erected on fencing in front of the lorry shield the scene from traffic on the other side of the carriageway.

On the bridge just yards from where the incident happened close to a housing estate on the northernmost fringes of the city, dog walkers and runners stop to look at the work going on below.