A warning for anyone planning a journey out of Cornwall via the M5 today (Wednesday) due to a fatal crash closing a section of the motorway.

Police have now given an update on the earlier incident near Tiverton, confirming that one man has died as a result. 

The collision involved a heavy goods vehicle and a pedestrian. 

The southbound side of the M5 has now reopened at junction 26 (Wellington) following the earlier closure, but the northbound carriageway is expected to remain closed into the afternoon. The closure is place just before junction 27 (Tiverton). 

Police earlier wanted to expect the road to be closed "for some time" and to find an alternative route.

Diversions have now been put in place by National Highways. 

A Devon and Cornwall force spokesperson said earlier: "M5 road closures following a serious RTC.

"Northbound closed prior to junction 27.

"Road likely to be closed for some time."

In an update from police it has now been confirmed that one man has died as a result of the incident. 

A spokesperson said: "Police were called at 5.30am today, Wednesday 6 September, to the M5 near Tiverton following reports of a collision involving an HGV and a pedestrian.

"The male pedestrian was confirmed deceased at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.

"The M5 southbound carriageway has been reopened but the northbound carriageway will remain closed into the afternoon.

"Highways England have put diversions in place and traffic stuck within the closures will be assisted to move when possible."

National Highways reported just after 7am that there were delays of 30 minutes at that time and approximately three miles of congestion in both directions on approach to the closures.

This has since been extended to delays of 45 minutes on approach in both directions, as of 11am.