These were the scenes as a lorry caught fire on the M5 motorway near Bristol today

The blaze was between Burnham-On-Sea and Bridgwater in Somerset causing long delays to motorists today (October 25).

Fire crews were called to the motorway around 9.30am when a lorry burst into flames, sending thick smoke across both carriageways.

Local residents in the area reported hearing “three loud bangs” at the start of the incident followed by seeing thick smoke.

Crews battled the flames with water jets and other equipment.

Long delays built up on the M5 in both directions.

There was also a separate medical emergency on the northbound carriageway between junctions 22-21 which the ambulance service an air ambulance attended.

Northbound re-opened around 1pm, with long tailbacks back to junction 25.

National Highways warned of long delays of several hours. There is also congestion on local roads through East Huntspill, Bridgwater and Highbridge as traffic tries to divert away from the motorway.