A female driver suffered minor injuries due to a multi-car accident on the M4 last night.

Police were called at about 9pm following a three-car vehicle crash on the westbound carriage way of the motorway between Junction 15 Swindon East and Junction 16 Swindon West.

Police and ambulances were at the scene and two lanes were closed, causing very slow traffic.

A Ford Fiesta had a tyre blow out, spun from lane 2 into lane 3, before hitting the central reservation. The car ended up in lane 2.

The occupants managed to get out of the vehicle, all uninjured.

But a short while after a lorry collided with the car.

“It would have been incredibly serious if there had been anyone inside the car,” said a police spokesperson.

An Audi managed to avoid the collision but left the carriageway. The female driver suffered minor injuries, including neck pain.

The police spokesperson added: “If you are involved in a collision or break down, especially on the motorway, and it is safe to do so, then you should leave your vehicle and move to a place of safety – it could save your life.”