THE M5 between junction 13 Stroud and junction 14 Thornbury is closed in both directions due to a serious lorry fire.

At 12.05 on Sunday Highways England Tweeted to alert motorists of the incident.

The fire services from Gloucestershire and Avon & Somerset were on the scene of the incident, which involved a lorry which had been carrying bales of hay.

Gloucestershire Fire andRescue Service sent three engines and a water carrier to the incident

Police stepped in to release trapped traffic.

The carriageway has now been reopened after being closed last night to resurface the damaged area and fix the safety barriers.

Assistant chief constable for West Mercia and Warwickshire police, Chris Singer, commented that this could last for quite some time.

A spokesman for Highways England said: "The M5 is closed in both directions between J13 (Stroud) and J14 (Thornbury) due to a large lorry fire being dealt with by Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

"Single diversion routes are available in both directions.

"Southbound traffic should exit at J13 and follow the solid black circle diversion symbols on local signs via the A38 to re-join at J14.

"Northbound traffic should exit at J14 and follow the solid black triangle diversion symbols on local signs, using the A38 to rejoin at J13.

"Road users are advised to plan ahead and allow plenty of extra time for journeys."

Tailbacks had spread throughout the Five Valleys for the duration of Sunday.

For diversion details click here.