Drivers urged to avoid the M5 after crash

Drivers are being urged to avoid the M5 southbound after a crash closed the motorway.

The incident happened just before 3am when two lorries collided.

One of the vehicles had broken down on the hard shoulder when it was hit by the second vehicle. The force of the impact knocked the stationery lorry onto its side.

Initially one of the drivers was trapped inside his cab and had to be freed by firefighters who also had to clear up spilled fuel.

He was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital where he is being treated for serious injuries. It is thought the driver of the second lorry has sustained minor injuries at this stage.

The M5 has been closed between J24 at Bridgwater and J25 at Taunton to enable the emergency services to deal with the incident.

There are diversions in place from J24 but police are urging motorists to steer clear of the area.

The motorway is expeced to reopen after 2pm.