Man snared by paedo hunters then discovered useless on M4 as reason for loss of life revealed
A man found dead after being stopped by ‘online paedophile hunters’ has had his cause of death revealed as police said: ‘We understand this incident may be distressing for some people’
A man confronted by “online paedophile hunters” was found dead under a bridge on a motorway after sustaining multiple injuries.
Adrian Smith, a 48-year-old from Chipping Sodbury, south Gloucestershire, was discovered dead on a stretch of the M4 hours after an online predator sting. Police have previously reported Smith was seen falling from a height onto the carriageway at about 6.40pm before being struck by a number of vehicles.
The deceased man was featured in a livestream by self proclaimed “child protection services” groups. The group had broadcast live on social media, throwing accusations at him just the night before on February 21.
Later Smith’s body was discovered on the motorway. The man’s body was discovered between junction 20, which links with the M5 at Almondsbury Interchange, and junction 21 near Awkley, South Gloucestershire. Several drivers contacted 999 around February 22 reporting something on the road.
The group involved in the livestream have announced they will take down the original video showing Smith and said: “We will be taking the live video down from our page now and ask that everyone can allow his family to grieve in a respectful manner.”
In the inquest opening to Smith’s death Coroner’s officer Alexis Camp noted Mr Smith was identified by his fingerprints. Camp has said the post-mortem examination labelled the cause of Smith’s death as multiple injuries.
Following the report of the initial incident Avon and Somerset Police thanked members of the public who reported the death: “We are grateful to members of the public who have come forward with information following the death of a man on the M4 motorway on Saturday.”
The statement added: “We understand this incident may be distressing for some people and we urge you to seek support should you need it.”
In an initial statement upon finding Smith’s body Avon and Somerset Police said: “We would ask people not to speculate during this time and to respect the family’s privacy.
“We would like to thank people for their patience and understanding while the road closures were in place. We understand this would have had an impact on many road users and we thank you for bearing with us.”
Statements will be taken from Mr Smith’s doctor, his family and witnesses, with a full post-mortem report to be prepared for his full inquest hearing. Senior coroner for Avon Maria Voisin has provisionally listed Mr Smith’s inquest for June 11.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
