Drivers in the South West of England are dealing with long delays on the motorway this morning following a number of accidents.

The M5 in Devon is closed in both directions between J27 (Sampford Peverell, Tiverton) and J28 (Cullompton) due to a "serious road traffic collision".

Devon and Cornwall Police remain at the scene to undertake a collision investigation.

National Highways has warned that two other incidents have taken place in the queue for the original incident.

As a result of the road accidents, the transport organisation has warned that the road will "likely remain closed throughout this morning".

Traffic is being held on the northbound carriageway for the Air Ambulance to land and take off safely.

Taking to social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, National Highways: South-West said that traffic caught behind the rear-most incident had been released.

It added: "Specialist contractors will cut the central reservation barrier to free the traffic caught behind the first incident.

Drivers are being warned that the M5 is likely to remain closed for several hours

Devon and Cornwall Police have also warned that the road will remain closed for most of the morning due to the "extensive investigations".

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "The collisions between junctions 27 and 28 were reported to us at around 9.50pm and 11.10pm last night, Thursday, September 18.

"A number of people have been seriously injured and the closures are likely to remain in place for at least another two hours.

"We thank drivers for their patience while recovery and investigation work is carried out."

Traffic on the M5 following multiple accidents

Diversion routes have been set out by National Highways to help motorists avoid the queues