5 December 2012 Last updated at 16:54 ET

M5 closed in Devon after collisions on both carriageways

Traffic tailbacks began to build up after the collisions on the M5

The M5 in east Devon has been closed between junctions 28 and 29 after collisions on both carriageways.

The first involved a camper van and a saloon car on the southbound carriageway near Cullompton at about 13:35 GMT. One person was airlifted to hospital, police said.

The second involved three cars and an HGV on the northbound carriageway at Hele Straight at about 15:45.

Two people were seriously injured in the second collision, police said.

Tailbacks began to build up after the collisions.

Diversions were in place, but drivers were being urged to avoid the area or delay travel if possible, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

Officers added that the southbound carriageway was expected to be reopened by 21:30, but that the northbound carriageway was likely to remain closed until 01:00.