A man has been arrested after a serious assault on the M4 in Wiltshire.
Emergency services, including Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance, were called to the motorway near Chippenham at around 2.30pm today (Tuesday).
A man, who was passenger of a stationary car on the hard shoulder, sustained serious injuries in an attack – sparking a major 999 response.
He was treated by an ambulance crew, assisted for a short time by air ambulance critical care medics, before being rushed to hospital for treatment.
The suspect, and a second male from the vehicle, were understood to have fled the scene. Officers carried out searches, including with a dog and drone.
The M4 was closed by National Highways in both directions between junctions 16 and 17 to allow emergency services to work safely.
The suspect – a 40-year-old man – was arrested by traffic officers outside Avon View on Seagry Road, just north of Sutton Benger.
The man, who had facial injuries, was cuffed and placed into the marked police car immediately after being sighted. He appeared calm and complient.
He has been taken to custody for questioning, held on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm and drink driving.
Wiltshire Police statement in full
“We have arrested a man following an incident inside a car on the M4 this afternoon (27/01).
“At around 2.30pm, we received a report that a man had been seriously assaulted and was in the passenger seat of a stationary car on the M4 hard shoulder westbound between junctions 16 and 17.
“Another male was also thought to have left the scene.
“The motorway was closed in both directions to allow for an urgent investigation to take place.
“A 40-year-old man, thought to be the registered owner of the vehicle, was located nearby and was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and drink driving.
“He has been taken to hospital for treatment on his injuries, and will then be questioned.
“The victim was taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries, which are not thought to be life-changing.
“The M4 has now reopened in both directions.”
