AN OVERTURNED tanker on the northbound carriageway of the M5 has resulted in closures in both directions.

Police were called at just before 9am 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.  

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

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We’re working with our 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.

"We’re currently trying to move all the vehicles backed-up between junctions 24 and 23 northbound.

"It’s likely the closures will remain in place for some time so we’re advising motorists to avoid the area. Diversions are in place."

The crash is having an impact on traffic on the A38, with the road busier than normal on A38 Northbound between M5 J24 (Bridgwater South) and Wills Road as traffic leaves the M5 Northbound to avoid the overturned tanker at J23.

The crash is having a severe impact on traffic on the A38, with the road busier than normal on A38 Northbound between M5 J24 (Bridgwater South) and Wills Road as traffic leaves the M5 Northbound to avoid the overturned tanker at J23.