A DRIVER was killed when his car came off the M5 onto the hard shoulder before moving across the three lanes and hitting the central barrier.

The man, in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene after the crash between junctions 8 (M50) and 7 (Worcester south) northbound on Saturday at around 8.30pm.

West Mercia Police are appealing for witnesses and have confirmed that the man's next of kin has been informed.

Road closures were in place while emergency services were at the accident.

The man was driving a black Vauxhall Corsa.

PC Karl Lacey, of West Mercia Police, said: "While investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding this collision, we are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage of the incident to please come forward.

"Our thoughts remain with his family at this difficult time."

Anyone with any information or dash-cam footage is asked to contact West Mercia Police on 101 quoting incident number 774s of September 7.