ONE person was trapped in a car after a serious crash with a lorry which has closed the M50 in both directions.

The motorway is closed westbound from the M5 to junction 2 at Ledbury, and between junctions 2 and 1 eastbound.

Emergency services attended the scene, including four crews from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, with the road expected to be closed for most of the evening

The crash between a car and a lorry happened at about 2.20pm on the westbound M50.

The Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham was sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "On arrival, ambulance crews found the HGV on the central reservation and a car on its side; both had significant damage.

"The car driver was trapped for around 20 minutes.  Ambulance and fire crews worked to extricate her safely. She was assessed at the scene before being airlifted to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

"The lorry driver was able to get out of the cab himself despite the damage. He was assessed and treated at the scene before being taken by land ambulance to the same hospital."

The road is likely to be closed for some time due to the damage and recovery work.

Highways England have confirmed that trapped traffic is currently being released from the scene.

Although there is no official diversion route, Highways England advise that road users may wish to consider the following route.

Road users wishing to join the M50 westbound from the M5 at J8 are advised to stay on the M5 and continue to J11 to take the A40 towards Gloucester, then to join the A417 northbound and continue until you re-join the M50 at J2.

Road users travelling eastbound are advised to exit the M50 at J2 and then take the A417 southbound towards Gloucester to join the A40 eastbound and continue to the M5 at J11.

At one point police warned people to stay in their vehicles after some were seen playing football in the empty carriageway.

10.30pm update: This is now being taken over by a planned roadworks closure on the M50 westbound from junction 8 to junction 2 (Ledbury) until 6am on Thursday (May 23).

7.15am (Thursday) update: One lane closed due to emergency repairs on M50 both ways between juntion 2 A417 (Ledbury) and junction 1 A38 (Tewkesbury). Lane two (of two) remains closed in both directions for emergency barrier repairs following the accident on Wednesday evening.