TRAFFIC was backing up on the M5 motorway near Wellington on Sunday afternoon (October 22) after a pedestrian was believed to have been hit by a lorry near junction 25 for Taunton.

Police closed both the north and southbound carriageways to allow an air ambulance to land and take the casualty to hospital.

The incident happened shortly after 12.30 pm and after initially holding traffic, police have been diverting vehicles via junction 25 exit and entry slip roads to use the A38 instead, resulting in congestion stretching from Taunton to Wellington.

An Avon and Somerset Constabulary spokesperson said: “We would advise motorists consider an alternative route at this time, while emergency services respond to this incident.”

National Highways said police were leading on the incident and the motorway was not expected to reopen until about 3 pm.

Ten-mile queues in both directions built up before vehicles started to be led off the motorway.

A National Highways spokesperson warned motorists: "Please allow extra time for your journey as delays of 60 minutes northbound and 80 minutes southbound."