A woman has died after an early morning incident shut the M4 for several hours near Swindon.

The young woman died in the fatal crash around 2am on Saturday morning (October 1).

LIVE UPDATES: M4 reopens after police incident

Police were called to the motorway between junctions 15 and 16, near the Croft Road bridge.

The force confirmed that it was a welfare incident, but could not disclose any further details.

The motorway and bridge remained closed for several hours on Saturday whilst police conducted investigations.

Now, Wiltshire Police have launched an investigation and called for witnesses to come forward.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: "We are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision on the M4 in the early hours of this morning (01/10).

"At approximately 2am today, officers attended an incident between junction 15 and 16 of the motorway, near the road bridge (A4361) near Wroughton.

"Sadly, a young woman died at the scene.

"Our thoughts are with her family at this very difficult time. Please respect their wishes and do not contact them at this time.

"Any witnesses to the collision or anyone who may have dash cam are asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team at Police Headquarters on 01225 69459.  Alternatively they can contact the team directly - SCIT@wiltshire.police.uk"

Following the crash, the westbound carriageway of the M4 was closed for around seven hours, whilst the eastbound carriageway remained closed for approximately twelve hours.

Motorists were diverted through Swindon town centre, which caused chaos on the town's major roads and disruption to the bus network.

Officers conducted extensive investigations on the motorway and Croft Road bridge, where a white Vauxhall and marked police car could be seen.