The M5 motorway has reopened near Taunton after a lorry hit a bridge this morning (Friday).

All three lanes on the M5 northbound between Junction 25 and 24, near Taunton, were shut with police, fire and ambulance on the scene.

Emergency services confirmed that the lorry driver was injured and trapped in the vehicle.

Police urged motorists to seek other routes, with long queues following behind the incident.

Police hold traffic on the M5 near Taunton (Highways Agency / BBC)

Traffic was being diverted away from the motorway onto the A38, which was heavily congested.

The incident happened just after 0630, and two lanes of the motorway re-opened at about 10am.

Both police and National Highways asked motorists to avoid the area if possible, with a diversion in place through Taunton and towards Bridgwater.

National Highways South West said lane one of the motorway would remain closed “for recovery, clean-up and repairs.”