AN unfolding major incident on the M5 motorway caused traffic chaos on roads in the Wellington area just as schools returned on Wednesday (September 6) morning.

The motorway was shut in both directions early Wednesday morning following what has been described as ‘a serious police incident.

The incident, which was initially reported as a two-vehicle crash, happened on the Somerset-Devon border just after 5.30 am, and is being led by Devon and Cornwall Constabulary.

Police reported one person had been injured.

Traffic was being diverted off the motorway between junction 26 for Wellington and junction 27 for Tiverton and using the A38 instead.

National Highways South West said there were 30-minute delays for motorists and about three miles of congestion in both directions on the approach to the junction closures.

The motorway was expected to be closed for several hours and drivers have been advised to avoid the area if possible.

The Wellington Weekly will bring updates on this story as they become available.