Police investigating a suspected hit and run in Cheltenham yesterday have have concluded that the death was non-suspicious.

Police were called to reports of a body on the A40 at Benhall at around 2am on Thursday, August 16.

The road was subsequently closed until 6.30pm while officers carried out a serious collision investigation at the scene.

Several members of the public called police yesterday to report concerns that a missing 27-year-old Cheltenham man could be the victim.

Formal identification of the body has confirmed the victim as 27-year-old Simon McDonnell, from Cheltenham.

Detective Superintendent Sarah Davenport, of the major crime investigation team, said: "My team has been working around the clock to identify the vehicles in the area at the time and their movements and we have been determined to trace anyone who could provide answers about what happened.

"After identifying the vehicle we believe collided with the victim and extensive CCTV enquiries, we have been able to find evidence of what happened in the lead up to the incident.

“As a result we have deemed the circumstances of Simon's death as non-suspicious and we will now continue to compile evidence for the coroner.

“Our officers are also continuing enquiries around whether any other criminal offences have been committed as a result of Mr McDonnell’s death.

“My thoughts are with Simon’s family and I hope our work will help provide them with answers as the case progresses to the coroner's court in due course.

Last night a 51-year-old man from the Newport area was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has now been released without charge, as has a 62-year-old man arrested yesterday.