The M5 was closed to allow an air ambulance to land after a woman fell from a bridge near Wellington.

The motorway was closed by police in the early hours of Saturday after officers were called to an incident involving a concern for the welfare of a woman.

The woman fell from a bridge and was then airlifted to hospital from the scene, according to reports.

Police were called to the area at around 12.30am and the southbound carriageway was closed between Junction 26 for Wellington and Junction 25 for Taunton until 3am.

Highways England confirmed the northbound direction was also closed to allow emergency services to manage the scene and for an air ambulance to land.

National Highways said in an update just before 3am: "The northbound has been released as the Air ambulance has now left the scene. Preparations are being made to reopen the southbound carriageway."

The incident was the second time in two days the stretch of motorway was closed between Wellington and Taunton due to a concern for the welfare of a person in the area.

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