THE M4 has been fully re-opened following the crash earlier today.

The incident, which involved a car, a van and a car transporter, happened at 12.20am, approximately a mile east of junction 15.

Police closed the eastbound carriageway between junction 15 at Swindon and 14 at Hungerford at 4.15am. Two lanes of the westbound carriageway were also closed to allow investigators to carry out their work.

Further to this initial collision, a number of other collisions also occurred.

As a result of these collisions, three people were seriously injured with one woman receiving life threatening injuries. Two have been airlifted to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol and one has been taken via land ambulance to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon.

The next of kin of all those injured have been informed.

A man was arrested on suspicion of causing a serious injury by dangerous driving. He remains in custody at Gablecross Police Station.

One lane on the eastbound carriageway is now re-opened and, it is hoped, that all lanes on both carriageways will be fully re-opened within the hour.

As a result of these collisions, long tailbacks have been caused on the M4 and the A419 at the Commonhead roundabout.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and, advice for any motorists in the area is to remain calm and inside your vehicle.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.