• Follow the live blog here

TWO people are reported killed, one is in a critical condition and five injured following a crash on the M5.

At least four vehicles, including a lorry, were involved in the collision early on Thursday on the southbound carriageway between junctions 8 and 9 – Tewkesbury and the M50.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received a 999 call from the police to reports of a road traffic collision on the southbound carriageway of the M5 between junctions 8 and 9, Tewkesbury, at 1.15am this morning.

Three ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and the Trust's MERIT trauma doctor were sent to the scene.

A doctor and paramedics from the South Western Ambulance Service were also sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival, the emergency services found a car which had been involved in a serious collision with four men inside.

"Sadly, nothing could be done to save two men and they were confirmed dead on scene. A third man was in a critical condition and received advanced trauma care by ambulance staff and the trauma doctor at the roadside before being alerted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

"A fourth man was given trauma care for back and leg injuries before being taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

“Four other patients from other vehicles involved in the collision were assessed and treated by South Western Ambulance Service colleagues. Despite the distressing nature of the incident, the two ambulance services together with police and fire colleagues worked as a team to provide excellent patient care on scene."

“The M5 is currently closed between J8 and J9 southbound, whilst officers deal with a multiple fatal collision,” said a Gloucestershire police spokesman.

“The incident happened at 1.05am today involving at least four vehicles. Paramedics attended the scene, but sadly two people were pronounced deceased and a third was seriously injured.

“Officers are advising motorists to avoid the area whilst investigations are carried out. Further information will be released in due course.”

Heavy traffic and delays are being reported on the M5, stretching back to Junction Seven (Worcester South), as well as the M50 and A38 at Tewkesbury.

A diversion route is in place due to the motorway closure.

Gloucestershire police said at 9am that the closure is likely to remain in place for several hours.