Several hurt and major disruption after M5 crashes

Police have closed the M5 in both directions between J27 at Sampford Peverell to J28 in Cullompton

A number of people have been seriously injured following two multi-vehicle collisions on the M5 in Devon, police have said.

The motorway has been closed since Thursday evening following the crashes, which have resulted in major traffic delays.

National Highways South West said the motorway was shut at about 23:00 BST in both directions between J27 at Sampford Peverell and J28 in Cullompton.

It said that stretch of the road would remain closed for several hours until Friday afternoon, with Devon and Cornwall Police carrying out "extensive investigations".

Devon County Council is advising motorists to use alternative routes and allow extra time for journeys

The force is appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a three-vehicle collision on the M5 near Willand after which a man was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Police said the crash, near Junction 28 at about 21:50 on Thursday, involved a Vauxhall Zafira, a Ford Ka and a Porsche Boxster.

Officers said a second collision was reported near the same junction at about 23:10 on and more information would be released in "due course".

At about 08:45 police said: "A number of people have been seriously injured... closures remain in place on the M5 while investigations continue into both collisions.

"Motorists are advised to avoid the area."

There have been reports of traffic on Fore Street in Cullompton

National Highways said the southbound carriageway of the M5 between junctions 27 and 28 is expected to reopen between 17:45 and 18:00 BST.

The northbound carriageway is expected to clear between 15:45 and 16:00.

Bristol Airport has advised people to seek an "alternative route".

Exeter Airport have also warned people to allow "extra time" for their journey's to the airport due to the closures.

Devon County Council said there were higher than usual volumes of traffic around Cullompton and Willand due to the emergency closure and advised motorists to use alternative routes and allow extra time for journeys.

National Highways said at 07:50: "Police have advised the road will remain closed most of the morning due to extensive investigations."

There have been reports of traffic in the Pinhoe area of Exeter

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service sent three fire engines and two special appliances to the scene at about 23:30.

A fire service spokesperson said crews assisted police and the ambulance service with the casualties.

At about 09:15, the service said crews were no longer in attendance.

National Highways said at about 09:55 there were delays of 45 minutes on the southbound carriageway of the M5 and 30 minutes northbound on the approach to the incident.