A 32-YEAR-OLD man was killed after being hit by an articulated lorry as he stood by his car on the hard shoulder of the M5 motorway on Saturday.

Gaius Moore, the son of well-known Stroud poet Marcus Moore, died after sustaining multiple injuries around 2.20pm near the slip road to Michaelwood Service Station.

The northbound carriageway was closed for three hours while police carried out investigations. Long tail-backs developed after police closed motorway between junctions 14 and 15.

Mr Moore was pronounced dead on arrival at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

Gloucester coroner Alan Crickmore opened an inquest on Wednesday and adjourned it to a date to be fixed.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident or anyone who may have seen a stationary white car on the hard shoulder of the motorway to contact them on 0845 090 1234 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.