Live: M5 traffic stopped after girl seriously injured

All traffic has been stopped on the M5 due to a serious police incident in Gloucestershire [1] this afternoon (Wednesday, December 18). According to traffic monitoring site Inrix, vehicles are stationary in both directions. The incident is unfolding between junction 11A for Gloucester and junction 12 for Quedgeley.

It was first reported by Inrix at around 4.45pm. Inrix says: "All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to police incident on M5 in both directions from J11A A417 (Gloucester / Cirencester) to J12 A430 (Quedgeley / Hardwicke). Held around 16:45."

Gloucestershire Police tonight confirmed a girl has been seriously injured in the incident. A spokesperson said: "Emergency services remain at the scene of a serious incident on the M5 southbound carriageway. "Police were called to the motorway between junctions 11a and 12 shortly after 4.20pm today (Wednesday 18 December).

Emergency services attended and a teenage girl has been taken to Bristol Children's Hospital after she sustained serious injuries. Her next of kin is aware. "The southbound carriageway remains closed between those junctions while an investigation takes place.

Work is ongoing to relieve congestion - there is around a 3.5km tailback of traffic and motorists are being asked to stay with their vehicles. "Motorists in the congestion are thanked for their continued patience during this time. Investigating officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed what happened or who has dashcam footage to come forward."

Those with information can provide it to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 319 of 18 December: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/[2]

This is a live blog.

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References

^ M5 due to a serious police incident in Gloucestershire (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
^ https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ (tracking.vuelio.co.uk)