A stretch of motorway has been closed after a man's body was discovered on the central reservation.

Merseyside Police received reports from drivers on the M53 in Wirral shortly after 7.15pm on Thursday.

A force spokesman said officers closed both carriageways to search the motorway and discovered the body.

He said: "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 inquiries 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."