TRAFFIC has now cleared in Cirencester after the A417 re-opened at around 4pm.

The A417 was closed for the majority of today after a serious crash on the road between the Air Balloon roundabout and Cowley roundabout at around 9.30am today.

The closure caused heavy traffic in Cirencester as motorists were turned away from the A417 and re-directed.

Emergency services attended the scene of the two-vehicle crash, close to the junction of the B4070, where five people were injured.

One man was airlifted to Southmead Hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries. The woman in the same car as him was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital by ambulance.

Three people in the other vehicle, a mother, father and daughter were also taken to GRH. None of the other injuries are believed to be life threatening.

Diversions were quickly put in place but. despite this, traffic was backed up in Cirencester as motorists who were unaware of the diversion were turned around at the A417.

Traffic was seen stretching all the way to London Road, and towards the town centre.

Anyone who saw the crash this morning should contact police on 101.