24/08/2007

M5 Closed After Shots Fired At Police Car

Parts of the M5 in Gloucester were closed on Friday morning after shots were fired at a police car in the early hours of the morning.

The incident happened around 4:10am as police made a routine check of a blue L-reg Series 3 BMW, which was parked in a layby near Blooms Garden Centre on the B4008, just off junction 12 of the M5 near Gloucester.

However, as police pulled up behind the vehicle, the car made off on to the southbound carriageway of the motorway. Two shots were then fired from the BMW in the direction of the police car, but no-one was injured.

The motorway was closed in both directions between junctions 12 and 13 following the incident, as was the B4008 from junction 12 of the M5 towards Stonehouse.

However, the motorway was reopened in both directions by 1pm on Friday.

Police have appealed for any witnesses - particularly any lorry drivers on the motorway at the time of the incident - to contact them on 0845 090 1234 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

(KMcA/SP)

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