Police have released the names of two men who died on the M1 between junctions 5 and 6 yesterday (Thursday).

Alan Trethewey, 67, from Watford, died after falling from the Bucknalls Lane overbridge at around 10.45am.

The family of Spencer Bell, 71, of Bushey, who had stopped to assist Mr Trethewey after his fall, have paid tribute to him.

The Good Samaritan died after being struck by a vehicle.

In a statement, Mr Bell’s family said: “Spencer was the most loving, funny and generous person. Everyone who knew him loved his quick wit and kindness. We cannot imagine life without him; he always had a smile on his face and loved life.

“Knowing he died in such a selfless way is no comfort. But we would not have expected anything else of him.

“He loved and was loved dearly by his wife Wendy, his three children, sons-in-law, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.”

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following the tragic double fatality.

Officers were called to the northbound carriageway at Bucknalls Lane overbridge at around 10.45am to reports a man had fallen from the bridge.

A number of motorists stopped to assist and subsequently one of these drivers - Spencer Bell - was struck by a vehicle and killed.

The road was closed for a number of hours while investigations took place at the scene.

Officers are appealing to anyone who was in the area and saw what happened or who has any information about events prior to the original incident to contact PC Helen Carpenter in the Road Crash Investigation Unit via the Herts Police non-emergency number 101.