THE M5 southbound is currently closed from Junction 8 (M50 turnoff) while emergency services deal with an overturned lorry.

The motorway is currently shut between J8 and Junction 11 (Golden Valley) with traffic being diverted via the M50, A417, A40 and A449.

THE incident happened just before 5.40am this morning and initial reports indicated that two people were trapped in the overturned lorry.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue service sent out two appliances from Tewkesbury and one from Gloucester, but once on scene it was confirmed no one was trapped.

However, there was a large quantity of diesel leaking from the fuel tank of the lorry, and the fire officer in charge requested the attendance of the Environmental Protection Unit from Stroud to help contain the spillage.

Live updates on the situation from the Central Motorway Patrol Group: