A Royal Mail lorry driver was killed last night in a motorway pile-up in appalling weather conditions, police have said. The accident which involved two cars and three lorries happened on the M5 in Gloucestershire in heavy sleet, hail and snow.

A 55-year-old Royal Mail lorry driver from Bristol died after becoming trapped in his cab. His family have been told.

Gloucestershire Police said the accident - between junctions 10 and 11 - took place at 9.30pm last evening.

Police believe the weather conditions were a 'major factor' in the collision.

Sgt Martyn Murawa told the BBC: 'Some of the officers that attended the scene described it as an ice rink.

'We believe it was certainly a major factor at this moment with regards to the collision itself.'

A police spokesman said last night: 'The northbound carriageway is closed between the junctions while a collision investigation takes place'.

'No one else is believed to be seriously injured.'

The Highways Agency website said the carriageway was expected to reopen from 8am today.