24 March 2025 , 16:48
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The man, who was married, had been arrested and released by the police the next day
A man confronted by online paedophile hunters was found dead on a motorway, an inquest heard.
Adrian Smith, 48, featured in a livestream by self-proclaimed "child protection service" groups on the evening of February 21.
Avon and Somerset Police arrested the married man that night and released him from custody the following day.
Avon Coroners’ Court heard Mr Smith’s body was discovered under a bridge between junction 20 and 21 of the M4 motorway at 6.52pm on February 22.
Police previously said he was seen falling from a height onto the carriageway at about 6.40pm before being hit by cars.
Coroner’s officer Alexis Camp told an inquest opening the 48-year-old was identified by his fingerprints.
She said a post-mortem examination revealed his cause of death was multiple injuries.
Ms Camp added: "I understand there are no family concerns."
A full post-mortem report as well as statements from Mr Smith’s doctor, family and witnesses will be prepared for the full inquest hearing.
Maria Voisin, senior coroner for Avon, provisionally listed Mr Smith’s inquest on June 11.
After Mr Smith’s death, the groups involved in the livestream video urged people to "allow his family to grieve in a respectful manner".
They added: "We will be taking the live video down from our page now."
Avon and Somerset Police said previously: "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.
"We understand this incident may be distressing for some people and we urge you to seek support should you need it."
Technology & Business Editor