A woman has been killed after chasing her dog on to the M4 in Cardiff and being hit by a van.

The incident happened during rush hour on Friday evening just north of the Welsh capital.

South Wales police said they believed a dog belonging to the woman entered the carriageway, followed by its owner, who was then struck by a Ford Transit.

The woman, 66, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next-of-kin had been informed and were being supported by a family liaison officer, police said.

They appealed for people to come forward who may have witnessed the incident at 6.15pm on the westbound carriageway from junction 30 towards junction 32.

“A dog belonging to a female driver of a white VW Golf vehicle is believed to have entered the carriageway followed by the driver of the VW Golf vehicle,” police said. “A Ford Transit vehicle has collided with the 66-year-old female who was pronounced deceased at scene.”

According to reports, the dog was also killed in the accident.

The incident closed the motorway for about five hours, causing major delays for commuters.