A man’s body was found close to the hard shoulder of a motorway after a suspected hit and run crash.

The M1 was shut between junction 1 (Brent Cross) and junction 5 (Watford) for around six hours yesterday (December 4) after the body was discovered at around 2.30pm.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said that the dead man was found close to the hard shoulder between junction 4 and 5 of the motorway.

Officers believe the man was hit by a vehicle that left the scene – but said this could have taken place any time between 4.30am on Sunday (December 3) and yesterday afternoon.

Ham & High: Paul Ridley was stuck at Junction 4 on the M1 for two hours (Image: Paul Ridley)Paul Ridley was stuck at Junction 4 on the M1 for two hours (Image: Paul Ridley) (Image: Paul Ridley)

The M1 reopened at around 8.30pm yesterday evening after traffic began to be cleared at around 4.45pm.

A police spokesperson said: “We thank people for their patience during this time.

 “Enquiries are ongoing into the suspected collision, it’s believed that a number of cars stopped when the collision occurred.

“Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash cam footage, is asked to make contact with police quoting Operation Byron.”