DRIVERS faced long delays on the M5 after reports of a vehicle fire near Taunton.

Two lanes were closed and traffic was queueing after the incident between junction 25 (Taunton) and junction 26 (Wellington).

The incident affected southbound traffic as far back as junction 24 (Bridgwater South).

Traffic was slowed to 40mph and cars faced delays of around 30 minutes.

Two lanes were initially closed after the incident, which was shortly before 5pm.

Lane two was reopened after the fire was put out, at around 5.10pm.

Lane one remained closed to allow recovery work and carriageway clean-up work.

The road has since been cleared and traffic returned to normal.