GLOUCSTERSHIRE: M5 shut after police car shot at

M5 shut after police car shot at
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/gloucestershire/6961590.stm

Shots were fired at a police car when a BMW was stopped as part of a routine check in Gloucestershire.

The blue L-registered Series 3 BMW was parked in a lay-by outside Blooms Garden Centre on the B4008 near junction 12 of the M5.

When the officers approached the car it drove off at high speed onto the M5 southbound and two shots were fired from someone in the back.

The M5 was closed in both directions but has since reopened northbound.

It is likely to be closed southbound between junctions 12 and 13 until 1300 BST, police said.

Someone believed to be in the back of the vehicle then fired two shots in the direction of the police vehicle Kate Nelmes, Gloucestershire Police

The Highways Agency has advised people not to travel unless necessary.

Bank holiday weekend traffic is expected to add to the congestion in the area until the road can be reopened.

The B4008, from junction 12 of the M5 towards Stonehouse, has also been closed and diversion signs are in place.

Police followed the BMW but lost sight of it just before junction 13, for Stroud.

"As the vehicle drove onto the carriageway, someone believed to be in the back of the vehicle then fired two shots in the direction of the police vehicle," said Kate Nelmes, of Gloucestershire Police.

"A lot of enquiries are being carried out to trace that vehicle and we would appeal to anyone who knows who is responsible and where they and the vehicle are now, to get in touch with us."

No-one was injured but officers are now carrying out a detailed investigation to find the car and its occupants.

A thorough search of the area is also being carried out.