A SERIOUS crash closed the M5 between Weston-Super-Mare and Burnham-on-Sea – with around seven miles of queues as rush hour hit.

The incident, on the southbound carriageway, happened on Thursday afternoon and drivers were warned of delays of up to two hours as investigation work continued at 5pm.

The air ambulance is believed to have been on the scene and Avon & Somerset Police advised people to avoid the area.

National Highways said the northbound carriageway had re-opened at around 4.30pm, but the southbound route remained closed after the “serious collision” and was expected to re-open later in the evening/overnight.

“(Police) remain on scene with investigation work ongoing,” a spokesperson said at around 4.30pm. “There are severe delays of up to 90 minutes on the approach.”

Anyone who saw the crash should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 5224260872.