POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a motorist died in a horrific pile-up on the M5 near Taunton involving 14 vehicles.

The section of the motorway between Taunton and Wellington was closed for more than ten hours after the crash at around 7pm on Monday.

A force spokesman said 19 people were injured - two were taken to Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital, while the rest were treated at the scene of the incident, just north of Taunton Deane Services.

He said it appeared the accident happened when a Rover ZS travelling north was in collision with an articulated lorry.

He added: "The car then appeared to lose control and cross the carriageway.

"It was struck by another vehicle, forcing it into the central barrier.

"Several other vehicles were also involved."

The Rover driver was declared dead at the scene - he is believed to be a man in his 40s who is not from this area.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the smash to call the force's collision investigation unit on 0845-4567000.

*For the full story, see Thursday's Somerset County Gazette.