An Appeal has been launched after man was found dead near the M1 motorway hard shoulder yesterday afternoon.

Hertfordshire Constabulary are investigating a suspected hit and run crash that occurred on the M1 between junctions 4 and 5 near Watford.

It is believed that the man was hit by a vehicle that fled the scene sometime between 4:30am on Sunday, December 3rd and yesterday afternoon. Police are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage to contact them.

The body of a man was found close to the hard shoulder of the motorway. The M1 was closed between junction 1 (Brent Cross) and junction 5 (Watford) for around six hours whilst police investigated the scene.

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

Officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision, or has dash cam footage, to come forward.

Detective Inspector Garry Webb, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this terrible time. Specially trained officers are supporting their family.

“We want to hear from anybody who saw what happened or has information that can help. If you were driving along the M1 and have a dash cam, please check it and get in touch if you spot something that might help our investigation.

“We believe a number of cars stopped when the collision occurred and we are particularly keen to hear from the driver of a white Mercedes.

“Finally, I would like to thank the public for their patience whilst we carried out investigations at the scene yesterday. We appreciate the road closure would have caused disruption.

“If you can help, please get in touch by emailing the team (opens in a new window) quoting Op Byron.”

Room via our online web chat at or call the non-emergency number 101.