A pedestrian has died after being struck by a vehicle on the M5 motorway.
Officers were called to the motorway at about 4.30am to a report of a pedestrian in the southbound carriageway.
A stretch of the motorway remains closed this morning and you can follow our live blog here.
In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said officers found an injured man just south of junction 20 (Clevedon) who had been struck by a vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The statement added: "Emergency services are at the scene of a fatal collision on the M5 today, Monday 20 July.
"The southbound carriageway is closed between junctions 19 (Portishead) and 21 (Weston-super-Mare).
"Officers were called at about 4.30am to a report of a pedestrian in the southbound carriageway.
"They found an injured man just south of junction 20 (Clevedon).
"He had been struck by a vehicle and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene
"Police would like to thank motorists for their patience while collision investigators examine the scene which is expected to be in place for some time yet."
The statement said the man's immediate next of kin have been informed and that the driver involved has been spoken to by officers.
The incident is expected to last through to lunchtime with delays expected on the M5 and the diversion routes. Drivers are being advised by Highways England to plan their journeys and expect delays.
A clearly signed diversion route is in place with drivers advised to follow the hollow circle diversion symbol via the A369 and A370 to re-join the M5 at junction 21.
Get all your local traffic news, powered by In Your Area:
Heavy goods vehicles are advised to leave at junction 18/18a (Avonmouth) and follow the the hollow circle diversion symbol via the A4 and A370.
If you witnessed the incident, have dashcam footage which could help or any other information get in touch with officers through www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact or call 101 quoting reference 5220160731.
