Lorry fire closes the M5 Southbound between Junction 28 and 29

The Police say that they received a report at 5.44am this morning of a fire on the M5 Southbound involving an articulated lorry with a trailer.

The Southbound carriageway between Cullopmton and Exeter was closed while the fire service dealt with the fire. Southbound traffic was diverted via the B3181.

The northbound carriageway was also closed for a time and then limited to lane 1 due to the smoke but was re-opened at 7am.

The southbound carriageway remained closed until 7.30am when lane 3 southbound was re-opened.

Approximately 50 vehicles were stationary southbound.

Devon & Somerset Fire rescue said: "A fire appliance from Cullumpton, one from Middlemoor and a water carrier from Danes Castle attended the lorry fire on the M5.

"Crews found a large goods vehicle and trailer unit well alight and used one hose reel jet, a main jet from the water bowser and two sets of breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire.

"The trailer unit and contents were destroyed by fire and the cause was accidental ignition.

"Due to heavy smoke the M5 was closed in both directions for a short time."