The body of a motorist pulled from the North Bank, Whittlesey, could have been there for at least a week.

The shock news was provided by Cambridgeshire Police today who reported that the road remains closed pending further inquiries.

Police were called to the waterside yesterday afternoon after report that a vehicle had been spotted partially submerged.

A police spokesman said: “The driver, a 50-year-old man from Northamptonshire, was pronounced dead at the scene yesterday (Monday) after the Skoda Octavia he had been in was recovered from River Nene which runs alongside the road in Whittlesey.

“Police and emergency services were called shortly after 2.30pm to reports that a vehicle had been spotted partially submerged in the water.”

The road remains closed this morning while further inspections are carried out.

The spokesman said: “It is thought the car may have entered the water as early as November 26.”

PC Tim Kirkby, investigating, said: “I would appeal to anyone who saw the vehicle enter the water or saw it being driven along that stretch of road between Tuesday (November 26) and 2.30pm yesterday.”

Anyone with any information should call the Roads Policing Unit on 101

The road is closed until further notice and will be inspected today by Peterborough City Council officials. Councillors are also expected to visit the scene of the fatality where a young motorist, Hannah Yates, 18, died in similar circumstances a month ago.

A Facebook campaign based on Whittlesey has attracted hundreds of supporters calling for action to be taken urgently to resolve issues along this stretch of road.

A barrier has been demanded and there will be a protest meeting in Whittlesey on Saturday to gather support for safety measures.

One Facebook message said: “Someone nearly went in this morning. My cousin helped her. “Some stupid driver tried to overtake, swerved and took her off the road and then someone has just gone in the river after losing control on corner. The same place all of them are happening.”

Safety campaigner Ryan Berridge said: “I propose average speed cameras and a crash barrier as a matter of urgency!

“This should be funded by the state. It will be expensive but rather than waiting for a further fatal, this will prevent any further river immersions and emergency service/recovery/council call outs!”

Eight people escaped – only one of them with injuries- after three vehicles came off the road and entered the river within the space of 36 hours last week.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK? Email john.elworthy@archant.co.uk to add your voice to the campaign.