FIREFIGHTERS had to free three people from a car following a crash on the M5 yesterday evening (Thurs).

The incident, which involved two vehicles, happened at about 6.15pm between junction 19 for Portishead and 20 for Clevedon on the southbound carriageway.

It resulted in all three lanes of traffic being closed for almost two hours, with drivers only able to use the hard shoulder.

Fire crews from Avonmouth and Pill attended the scene and used hydraulic cutting equipment to release three people from one of the cars.

It is understood no one suffered serious injuries in the crash.

Firefighters left the scene at just before 8pm.