THE man who died after being hit by a lorry on the M5 yesterday has been named as John Wood.

The 59-year-old from Birch Mews, Leeds, was on his way to Worcester Crown Court to face fraud charges when he was involved in the collision.

The former financial consultant was being charged with stealing £78,000 from Herefordshire County Council and £35,000 while working as a project manager in East Anglia.

Police are still investigating the incident, which happened at about 7.40am on the southbound carriageway between J5 at Droitwich and J6 at Warndon.

A rapid response vehicle and a paramedic area support officer from West Midlands Ambulance Service were dispatched to treat the man, but he was confirmed dead at the scene.

A police spokeswoman said it was not yet known why the man was on the motorway and he has not yet been identified.

Officers shut lanes one and two between the junctions just before 8am, but closed all three lanes soon after.

The road had reopened by 11am, however, drivers are advised to seek alternative routes due to long delays.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "On arrival at the scene crews found a man and a lorry that had been in collision.

"Unfortunately it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed deceased at the scene."

Witnesses who have not already spoken to police are urged to call Central Motorway Police Group on 01216 261289.