THE death of a pedestrian on the M5 this morning will leave the motorway shut "for hours".

A huge stretch of the road was closed in both direction after the horrifying death just before 8am, as officials warned it would cause disruption for some time today.

A Gloucestershire Constabulary spokesman said: "The man (the pedestrian) was declared dead at the scene. No one else was injured."

They confirmed he was hit by a car early this morning.

The crash happened on the southbound carriageway south of junction 12 at Quedgeley - the police asked anyone who witnessed it to get in touch.

Highways England tweeted earlier: "Emergency services are at scene, expected to be closed for some time."

The road is currently shut between junction 12 and 14 southbound and junction 13 and 12 northbound while a probe is underway.

Highways England advised: "Southbound road users are advised to follow the 'Solid Black Circle' diversion symbol and exit the M5 at J12 onto the B4008.

"Continue on the B4008 until you reach the roundabout with the A38, continue southbound along the A38 to join the A417 at Whitminster.

"Northbound road users are advised to follow the above in reverse following the 'Solid Black Triangle' diversion symbol."