A woman was found dead on the M1 motorway this morning (Thursday).

Police received a call at 5.10am from a motorist travelling along the M1 southbound carriageway at junction 22 for Coalville, to report a body in the road.

Officers from Leicestershire Police, alongside colleagues from East Midlands Ambulance Service, attended the scene and confirmed the body was that of a deceased woman.

The road was closed between junction 22 and 21a as emergency services responded at the scene - and has since reopened.

A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police said: "The woman is believed to the same person who was on the wrong side of the bridge over the same carriageway in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

"She came down from the bridge and was taken by officers to hospital for assessment.

"Officers continue to investigate the incident and would like to appeal to anyone who may have seen the woman prior to her death please get in touch.

"Anyone with information at all relating to this incident can contact police on 101 quoting incident 100 of 18 January.

"You can also contact us online HERE."