M5 traffic live: Motorway closed because of 'people in the road' as cops swarm

M5 traffic live: Motorway closed because of 'people in the road' as cops swarm All traffic is being held in both directions on the M5 from J25 A358 (Taunton) to J24 A38 Taunton Road (Bridgwater South), due to a 'police incident' Motorists are facing chaos on the M5 motorway which has been brought to a standstill near Taunton with reports of people on the road. Traffic information company Inrix states that all vehicles are being temporarily held and are at a standstill in both directions from junction 25 A358 (Taunton) to junction 24 A38 Taunton Road (Bridgwater South), due to a "police incident". Images from traffic cameras show what appears to be figures in the road, as well as police vehicles and densely packed queues of traffic. Key Events An image from a traffic camera appears to show people on the M5 which has caused its closure this morning between Junctions 24 and 25 in both directions. National Highways has issued a diversion route for people heading southwards on the M5 Southbound traffic is advised to follow the route marked by the solid diamond diversion symbol, visible on local road signs - At J24 Huntworth Interchange exit the M5 taking the 3rd exit onto Huntworth Lane/A38. - At the next immediate roundabout take the 1st exit onto Taunton Road/A38. - Continue southbound on the A38 toward Taunton. - At the A358/A38 interchange, turn left onto the A358 heading towards the M5. - At M5 J25 Blackbrook Roundabout, take the 4th exit onto the M5 southbound. National Highways says there are delays of 15 minutes covering 1.5 miles in both directions. It states on X: "The #M5 near #Taunton is now closed in both directions between J25 and J24 due to a police led incident. @ASPolice remain on scene. Current delays of 15mins and 1.5miles in both directions on the approach @BristolAirport." National Highways states: "The M5 in Somerset is closed in both directions between J24 (Bridgwater) and J25 (Taunton) due to a police led incident. "Avon and Somerset Police currently lead the response to a ongoing incident which has caused the road the be closed until further notice. "National Highways have resources in attendance assisting with traffic management." A motorist says there are reports of a "person running across the lanes", reported SomersetLive. "I’m at the front. Just been told… Waiting on a helicopter. Reports of a person running across the lanes and they can’t find him now, so need assistance locating him so it doesn’t happen again," they said. "Ambulance en route too as a precaution. Helicopter departed Bristol around 0710 so will be here shortly." Inrix has issued diversion routes for travellers on the M5 Southbound traffic follow the Solid Diamond Symbol. Exit at J24, take the A38 towards Taunton to rejoin the M5 at J25. Northbound follow the Solid Circle Symbol. Exit at J25, take the A38 towards Bridgwater to rejoin the M5 at J24.