Arrest as police investigate M1 death near Watford

Herts Police have confirmed that detectives investigating the suspected hit and run death arrested a man from Leicester in Leicestershire earlier today (December 19) on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a road traffic collision. It is believed that the victim, from London and in his 40s, was struck by a vehicle that did not stop between 4.30am on December 3 and 2.30pm on December 4. He was found close to the hard shoulder between the northbound motorway’s junctions 4 and 5, near Watford.

The road was closed whilst investigations took place and it was reopened at around 8.30pm the same day. After a post-mortem examination on December 6, the provisional cause of death was given as a traumatic head injury. Detective Inspector Garry Webb said: “Our thoughts remain with the man’s family at this terrible time.

Specially trained officers are continuing to support them and are keeping them updated. “Despite us making an arrest, we still want to hear from anybody who saw what happened or has information that can help.” The 28-year-old currently remains in custody for questioning.

A Herts Police spokesperson had previously said that the force are aware the victim was involved in a minor collision at around 4.30am on the Sunday (December 3), adding that it is believed that vehicles briefly stopped at this time. This left 34-hours until the body was eventually found. The detective inspector added: “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.

“Finally, I would like to thank the public for their patience whilst we carried out investigations at the scene as the road remained closed for some time.”

Information can be given via email to [email protected] quoting Op Byron, online, or by calling 101.