A MOTORIST died after his car apparently came off the M5 onto the hard shoulder before moving across the three lanes and hitting the central barrier.

The man, in his 50s and driving a black Vauxhall Corsa, was pronounced dead at the scene following the crash between junctions 8 and 7 northbound on Saturday around 8.30pm.

West Mercia Police is appealing for witnesses and has confirmed the man's next of kin has been informed.

Road closures were in place while emergency services were in attendance.

PC Karl Lacey, from West Mercia Police, said: "While investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding this collision, we are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dash-cam footage of the incident to please come forward.

"Our thoughts remain with his family at this difficult time."

Anyone with any information or dash-cam footage is asked to contact West Mercia Police on 101 quoting incident number 774s of September 7.