MOTORISTS have been advised this morning that the M5 has been closed in both directions because of a dangerous power cable.

At about 4.20am police were called to reports that a car had left the motorway and struck an electricity polce between Junctions 20 and 19 on the M5.

Police and the highways agency have attended the scene and investigation has found that the power cable is damaged.

A police spokesman said: "The power company has been called out but at this stage the danger from the power cable is such that it is not safe for other motorists to use the motorway.

"As a result, the motorway has been shut in both directions and is expected to remain so for a couple of hours."

The motorway is shut at Junction 22 northbound and Junction 18 Southbound.

The Portbury Hundred near Portishead is also closed because of its proximity to the fallen power cable. Diversions are currently being put in place.

The police spokesman added: "This is expected to cause considerable disruption to the roads in the area and drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible.

"Decisions to close the motorway are never taken lightly as police officers are aware of the impact this has on local people who are trying to get to work, drop children off at school and go about their daily business.

"However, the power cable presents a hazard to any motorists and in the interests of public safety the decision was taken to close the road."

Further updates will be circulated in due course, but the police would ask people to be patient while they work to resolve this situation as quickly as they can.