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Road workers find body in motorway undergrowth

National Highways Cars on a carriageway. Their headlights are bright as it is dark and they are lined up three-deep in traffic. The opposite carriageway is clear with cars moving freely.National Highways
One lane of the M1 northbound remained closed and was expected to fully reopen between 18:15 and 18:30 GMT, National Highways said

The body of a man was found in undergrowth next to the motorway by road workers, police said.

The M1 was closed in both directions near Watford, between junctions five and six, at about 15:00 GMT on Monday.

Officers said the death was being treated as "unexplained" and drivers faced severe delays throughout the evening rush hour.

The southbound section reopened at about 18:30, with the northbound stretch reopening just after 22:00.

One of three lanes northbound remained closed on Tuesday, but was expected to fully reopen between 18:15 and 18:30.

A Hertfordshire Police spokesperson said: "Officers are currently working to establish the circumstances of the man's death, which are currently unexplained, and will remain in the area this evening and tomorrow."

The force said the body was discovered by road workers from National Highways, who then reported it.

National Highways was approached for comment.

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