M5 slip road shut for some time after lorry containing batteries bursts into flames

A slip road on the M5 is to remain closed for some time after a lorry containing batteries burst into flames. The fire happened on the junction 27 north off-slip just after 2pm on Friday.

There are major delays on the M5 ahead of rush hour. A dramatic photo taken from the Devon and Cornwall Roads Policing Team shows the burnt-out lorry. They said: "M5 J27 North offslip closed for foreseeable due to lorry fire containing batteries. Use J26 to turn and take J27 South for diversion."

Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Emergency services are at the scene of a vehicle fire involving a lorry on the northbound off-slip of the M5 at junction 27, near #Tiverton. The carriageways are open but the off-slip is likely to remain closed for some time. Drivers are advised to avoid the area."

Traffic monitoring website Inrix added: "M5 Northbound exit slip road closed, queueing traffic due to lorry fire at J27 A361 (Tiverton). Congestion to J28 (Collompton / Service Area). In the roadworks area."

Live updates on the fire continue here.