POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man died following a road traffic collision off the Britannia Bridge during the early hours of this morning (Friday).

Shortly before 2am, police received a report of a two-vehicle collision on the eastbound carriageway just prior to the bridge, involving an Audi A5 and a HGV.

The emergency services were called to the scene, however sadly the driver, and sole occupant of the Audi, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sergeant Raymond Williams of the Roads Policing Unit said: “Sadly this is now being investigated as a fatal road traffic collision and our thoughts remain with the man’s family at this difficult time.

“We are appealing for any witnesses to come forward, and are keen to speak to anybody who may have been travelling in the area around the time of the collision and who may have dash cam footage.

“We are in contact with colleagues from Warwickshire Police as the man was local to their area. His family have been informed and they will now be supported by a specially-trained Family Liaison Officer.

“We appreciate that people have been caught up in lengthy delays, and are fully aware of the impact closing the roads can have on the transport network, however people must appreciate that we have a job to do when it comes to investigating fatal collisions.

"We as the police are the lead agency for collision investigation, and have the primary duty to investigate and establish the circumstances that have led to road deaths and life changing injuries.

"We must discharge our responsibilities to the coroner, the wider judiciary and family members.

“The recovery procedure for the HGV was also complex due to the nature of the load it was carrying, hence it took a while longer to fully re-open the road.

"We’d like to thank everybody for their patience and understanding during this morning’s road closure.”

Anybody witnesses are asked to contact officers at the Western Roads Policing Unit quoting reference number W123868.