THE M5 southbound is expected to re-open at 1pm after a man was killed in a crash involving a lorry and a car.

Gloucestershire Police said it happened at about 5.30am between junction 12 near Quedgeley and junction 13 for Stroud.

The man driving the car was killed, a spokesman confirmed.

The southbound carriageway has been closed while an investigation takes place.

Police said long delays were still expected, but the motorway is expected to re-open around noon. 

Traffic is down to one lane and the hard shoulder has now been opened around junction12. 

Eye witnesses said that more than 10 police cars were on the scene.

Police are advising motorists to use the A38 instead or to leave the M5 at J11A and use the A417.

Stroud News & Journal merchandiser David Passey was stuck on the M5 for four hours after the fatal collision this morning. 

When he saw the overhead signs warning of congestion he thought he would get off the motorway at junction 12, Gloucester but got stuck a mile from the exit.

David, who was coming from Worcester, was bringing copies of the SNJ's sister titles the Gloucestershire Gazette and the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard.