The driver was found in his cab just after 0400 GMT on Friday

Michael Little's actions in the immediate aftermath of the incident have been praised by detectives from Surrey Police.

Mr Little managed to keep his 44 ton lorry under control and pull it onto the hard shoulder of the M3.

Police say his actions prevented further accidents and described his behaviour as "impeccable and professional".

Officers think 53-year-old Mr Little, from Hornchurch in Essex, was hit by a brick thrown from a footbridge over the M3 near Camberley, Surrey and have launched a murder inquiry.

'Professionalism to the end'

He was found in his cab just after 0400 GMT on Friday, between junctions three and four on the motorway, close to the Surrey-Berkshire border.

A post mortem examination showed he suffered heart failure after a blow to the chest.

Detective Chief Inspector Graham Hill said: "His actions after this happened were impeccable and demonstrate his professionalism to the end, as he managed to pull over onto the hard shoulder and control the vehicle."

Police have also issued some new information about Mr Little.

They say he had a 23-year-old daughter and had worked for 26 years for Ford in Dagenham, where he was "much liked".

Officers have said they want to hear from people who were in the area, travelling on the M3 northwards near Fleet Services, at about 0030 GMT on Friday.