M53 closed after police discover body of a man on central reservation.

The body of a man has been found on the central reservation of the M53 in the Wirral.

The M53 is currently closed from J2, Moreton Spur and J3 for Birkenhead and Heswall at 7.15pm, the Wallasey Tunnel is also closed to Wirral bound traffic.

Police closed the Chester bound carriageway at 7.15pm this evening, they closed the northbound carriageway a short while later.

Motorists have been advised by police to check travel reports in the morning as it is likely the M53 will remain shut overnight in the affected section.

Merseyside Police issued a statement this evening:

Merseyside Police can confirm that the M53 in Wirral will remain closed this evening following the discovery of a man’s body on the central reservation between junctions 2 and 3.

The motorway was closed after the police received several reports from motorists shortly after 7.15pm.

Officers closed the southbound carriageway and then the northbound to allow a search of the motorway and during this the body of a man was found.

Although the circumstances leading up the man’s death are unclear at this early stage it is believed that a road traffic collision has occurred.

No-one else has been reported injured and enquiries are being made to trace and speak to anyone who may have seen what happened. A number of witnesses are assisting the police at this time.

The man’s identity has not been confirmed and enquiries to establish who he is and notify his next of kin are ongoing.

The M53 is likely to be closed in both directions for the rest of the evening and motorists are advised to check local travel reports before considering using the M53 in Wirral tomorrow morning.

We would like to thank everyone affected by the motorway closure for their patience and understanding while police officers and the other agencies involved deal with this serious incident.

Traffic reports say:

M53 Merseyside – M53 closed and queuing traffic northbound between J3, A552 (Woodchurch) and J2, Moreton Spur, because of a police incident. Diversion in operation – Hollow Diamond- Leave J3 and take the A552 northbound to upton bypass. Follow the A551 to the junction with A5027 back to M53 j2.

M53 Merseyside – M53 closed and queuing traffic southbound between J1 Wallasey Tunnel Approach and J3, A552 (Woodchurch), because of a police incident. Diversion in operation – Hollow Diamond- Leave J2 at Moreton Spur and take the A5027 southbound to upton bypass. Follow the A551 to the junction with A552 back to M53 J1

Merseyside – Wallasey Tunnel closed outbound between kingsway wallasey tunnel toll booths and the M53 S junction.