A LORRY fire on the exit slip road, J27 on the M5 North Bound carriageway has led to the full closure of the M5 Northbound J27 exit.

AA Traffic News has reported that the exit ramp is closed for "the foreseeable" due to a lorry on fire containing batteries, leading to queuing traffic on the M5 Northbound at J27 A361 (Tiverton) and J28 (Collompton/Service Area).

READ MORE: M5 Northbound exit J27 is closed due to a lorry on fire

A spokesperson recommended using the J26 to turn and take the J27 South for diversion. 

The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service sent four fire engines and a water bowser to put out the lorry fire.

A spokesperson for the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "Members of the public are encouraged to avoid the area. All residents local to the area are to keep windows and doors closed."

Attending stations included: Danes Castle, Cullompton, Tiverton, Middlemoor, Taunton, Bridgwater.

The AA Traffic News reported "severe" congestion to J28 (Collompton/Service Area) and in the construction area.

Expect severe delays of at least ten minutes and increasing on M5 Northbound between J28 A373 Honiton Road (Cullompton / Service Area) and J26 A38 (Wellington) according to AA Traffic News. The average speed is 20 mph.

AA Traffic News also reported severe delays of ten minutes and delays easing on M5 Southbound between J26 A38 (Wellington) and J28 A373 Honiton Road (Cullompton / Service Area). The average speed is also 20 mph.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police informed us that emergency services are currently still at the scene of the lorry fire on the off-slip of the northbound carriageway of the M5 at Junction 27, near Tiverton.

So far, there are no reports of injuries.

"The carriageways are open but the off-slip is likely to remain closed for some time. Drivers are advised to avoid the area," the spokesperson said.  

We are still currently awaiting further comment from the Devon and Somerset fire rescue service and the South West ambulance team.