[Loukas]

Motorcyclist murdered on motorway

Eyewitness account
A man on a motorcycle has been shot dead on a motorway in Warwickshire - and police are appealing for witnesses as they launch a murder inquiry.
The man was travelling south on the M40, between junctions 13 and 12 near Leamington Spa, when the incident happened at 1420 BST.

West Midlands Ambulance said they found the man with serious injuries, but he died at the scene.

It is thought the victim might have attended a biker party earlier.

"Road rage is not a line of inquiry. We are treating this as murder," said a police spokesperson.

It is thought the victim may have been at the Bulldog Bash, billed as Europe's top biker party, held at Long Marston airfield near Stratford.

Motorbike gang links are a "strong line of inquiry", said a police spokesperson.

The incident caused 10-mile tailbacks in both directions - and police and the Red Cross are believed to be bringing food and water to drivers caught in the crime scene.

BBC reporter Liz Copper, who was at the scene, said it was understood a fingertip search of part of the carriageway would be carried out.

Detective Superintendent Ken Lawrence told the BBC's Five Live that 20 to 30 police officers were at the scene and potential witnesses were still being interviewed.

He said the southbound carriageway would probably remain closed until Monday morning and appealed specifically for the occupants of a dark green Rover, possibly a 620, which had been seen near the scene of the incident, to come forward.

Paul Roberts, from Worthing, was driving along the M40 when the incident happened.

He said: "Suddenly we had to stop... soon other motorists were out of their cars and on the carriageway.

"One lady in a BMW took a first aid kit to the man who was lying on his front just next to the central reservation.

"It was very noticeable that the man was very still and was not wearing any shoes."

Police are appealing for any motorists travelling on the M40 who may have witnessed the incident to contact them.

An incident room has been set up at Warwickshire Police headquarters.



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bbc news report