Police have confirmed that the driver of a lorry that veered off the motorway near the Prince of Wales Bridge has died. 

The Prince of Wales bridge was closed in both directions after the incident for the whole of yesterday.

Police, ambulance, fire and air ambulance crews were all on the scene of the incident.

In a statement, South Western Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 10.37am about an incident on the New Severn Bridge.

"It was reported to us that a lorry had left the road.

"We sent various resources to the scene including hazardous area response team paramedics and other paramedics.

"A male patient was conveyed by air ambulance to hospital."

Highways England have announced the eastbound carriageway will reopen ahead of the evening rush hour but expect the westbound carriageway to be closed until 6am tomorrow morning.

Stroud town and district councillor Chas Townley narrowly avoided being caught up in the crash.

He said: "Feel blessed not to have been involved in this accident as we were directly behind the lorry as it crashed from side to side of the motorway."

Gwent Police confirmed that the driver had lost his life in a short statement: "The male driver of the HGV lorry was airlifted to University Hospital Wales. He has since sadly died of his injuries," the force confirmed in a statement.

"No other motorists were injured and Gwent Police have now left the scene.

"At 10.30am, Gwent Police received a report that a lorry had driven down the embankment and onto land alongside the M4 Westbound at the end of the Prince of Wales Bridge.

"We are advising motorists to avoid the area due to heavy congestion.

"Anyone with any information or anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dash cam footage is urged to contact Gwent Police on 101 or Direct Message us on Facebook or Twitter, quoting log 129 04/09/19."