Bristol M4 death investigated after ‘predator’ sting
A man who died on M4 was arrested for several hours in the face of a man who called himself an “online child protection team.”
Avon and Somerset police arrested the man Friday night after allegations of him were broadcast live on social media.
He was released on Saturday after police bail and later found dead on a highway near Bristol. He has not been charged with any crime.
Due to police contacts, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office of Conduct.
Police urged people not to speculate on respecting the man’s family’s privacy.
Facing his group also asked people to “make their families sad in respectful ways”.
The expressway was closed for several hours while officials conducted the investigation.
At the time, a police spokesman said: “We learned from witnesses in their 40s that he fell from a height and was then hit by a vehicle between the junction 20 (Almondsbury) and 21 (Awkley).
“Death was seen as boring and his next relative was supported during this difficult time.
“Our ideas sympathize with them.”
