Police are investigating the death of a man whose body was found on the M40 in the early hours today.

The man’s body was found in the inside lane of the northbound carriageway between Junction 11, at Banbury, and Junction 12, at Gaydon, at about 2.15am.

His identity has not yet been established.

Police are appealing to anyone travelling on the M40 in the early hours of this morning between Banbury and Gaydon to contact the police.

They are also appealing for help to identify the man who is white with short brown hair and of medium build and aged 20–30.

He was wearing dark blue jeans, a white T shirt, black zip-up jacket and black trainers.

Detective Chief Inspector Adrian McGee, who is leading the enquiry said: “We need to establish who this man is, how he came to be on the motorway, how he got there and what happened to him.

“This man was found on a motorway and we are therefore appealing across the country for anyone who was travelling on the M40 between Banbury and Gaydon between 1am and 2.15am this morning to contact us.

“We also want to hear from anyone who recognises the description of the man, or anyone who was expecting to see a friend or relative who has not turned up, who matches the description.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Incident Room at Warwickshire Police headquarters on 01926 415772, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

A post-mortem examination, carried out by a Home Office Pathologist was being held this afternoon.

The northbound carriageway of the M40 motorway between junction 11 and 12 remained closed while police examined the scene.