Police closed the M40 north of Banbury today after a body was found on the road.

The northbound carriageway was closed between Junction 11, at Banbury, and Junction 12, at Gaydon, after the body was found in the carriageway early this morning.

Police said it was not known how the body came to be on the motorway and officers are examining the scene.

Police are appealing for anyone who was driving on the M40 in the early hours between about 1am and shortly after 2am when the body was reported to police, to contact Warwickshire Police on 01926 415000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where the information can be given anonymously.

The northbound carriageway of the M40 is expected to remain closed between Banbury and Gaydon for some time and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

A diversion has been set up with drivers coming off at junction 11, then on the A422 westbound towards Banbury, the B4100 north towards Gaydon then B4451 to re join M40 at junction 12