A tanker has overturned on the northbound carriageway of the M5 resulting in closures in both directions.

Police were called at just before 9am on Wednesday after a tanker carrying kerosene overturned just before the slip-road at junction 23 northbound.

The top of the tanker has split and kerosene has spilt onto the carriageway.  

Full closures are in place at junction 23 southbound (Bridgwater) and junction 24 northbound (Huntworth/Bridgwater).

Police are working with colleagues in the other emergency services at the scene and the remainder of the fuel will need to be removed from the tanker before it can be recovered.

Police are trying to move all the vehicles backed-up between junctions 24 and 23 northbound.

It is likely the closures will remain in place for some time so police are advising motorists to avoid the area. Diversions are in place.