FOUR people arrested after a woman's body was discovered on the M53 in the early hours of Easter Monday have been released on police bail.

Police have stressed that the incident involving 42-year-old Jacqueline Pye is currently being treated only as an unexplained death, but confirmed that the arrests were all on suspicion of murder.

Those arrested were a 48-year-old man from Neston, a 40-year-old man from Raby Mere, and an 18-year-old man and woman who are both from Thornton Hough.

A post mortem carried out on Monday afternoon confirmed that Ms Pye, who lived alone in Princes Boulevard, off Kings Lane in Higher Bebington, died of head injuries consistent with a fall from height.

The police investigation will now centre on the question of whether Ms Pye died as the result of an accident, suicide, or foul play.

Her body was discovered on the southbound carriageway of the M53 shortly after midnight, beneath a bridge between junctions four and five near to Clatterbridge. Police say she had earlier attended a party nearby.

The motorway was closed for 14 hours hours in both directions as police carried out their investigations, causing six-mile tailbacks on Easter Monday.

Officers now want to speak to anyone who was travelling on the M53 shortly before or after midnight on Sunday.

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "A post mortem to establish the cause of Jacqueline Pye's death has concluded that she died as a result of head injuries consistent with a fall from a height.

"Detectives are continuing their inquiries into the case."

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Parkinson said: "A number of witnesses have come forward as a result of appeals through the media and I would like to thank for their assistance.

"The investigation into Jacqueline Pye's death is continuing.

"I would urge anyone has hasn't contacted us who has information to come forward."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Merseyside Police incident room on 0151 777 2265 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.