The M5 motorway has been shut northbound as an air ambulance lands to deal with a serious accident in Somerset.

The whole carriageway was shut between Junction25, the Taunton / Blackbrook Interchange, and Junction23, the Bridgwater / Dunball Interchange.

National Highways advised drivers that the route could be shut for some time - adding that journey times were delayed by at least one hour. Some travellers posted angry messages to social media attacking poor traffic management, adding that they were stuck in queues for up to four hours.

The accident happened about half-a-mile short of the J23 exit, at about 10.30 am. At 4.10pm National Highways offered a glimmer of hope, saying: "Recovery is complete and (the) collision investigation is in its final stages."

The impact of the accident was felt in Wellington, where queues built up on the Relief Road.

The accident involved a motorcycle and a car. Avon and Somerset Police were at the scene and "collision investigation work" was being carried out, said National Highways.

Police said the motor cyclist was flown by Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance to Southmead Hospital, in Bristol.

One video on X, formerly Twitter, appeared to show a guitar-player performing to stranded motorists.

TechOff Tim said the motorway was a "log jam" while Herb said there was "carnage" in minor roads away from the motorway as motorists tried to find alternative routes.