Police are appealing for witnesses to a serious collision which took place on the M5 during the early hours of this morning, Tuesday 25 June.

The collision happened on the M5 northbound just prior to Gloucester Services at around 2.15am and involved a white Vauxhall Insignia and a silver Ford Tourneo minibus.

Five occupants of the Ford, who were all from the Yorkshire area, were extracted from the vehicle and taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital for treatment to serious injuries which are not deemed to be life-threatening.

The driver of the Vauxhall Insignia, a 35-year-old man from Cheltenham, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, drink driving, drug driving and driving whilst unfit.

He was taken to hospital to be assessed before being discharged and transported to police custody.

The carriageway was closed for a number of hours whilst an investigation took place and reopened at around 5am.

A further lane closure is planned for 12pm to allow for the Ford Tourneo to be recovered from an area of undergrowth after leaving the road.

Investigating officers would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or may have witnessed the manner of driving of either vehicle prior to the collision.

They would also like to speak to anyone with dashcam or mobile phone footage that they may feel might be relevant. 

Information can be submitted to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 39 of 25 June: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/