TWO women were killed and three men have been arrested after a motorway crash.

       The victims were both travelling in the same car which was in collision with another on the M4 near Bristol, police have revealed.

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       The tragic car crash happened on the M4 motorway near Bristol

       The three men who have been detained were in the other vehicle.

       They were in custody after receiving hospital treatment, according to Avon and Somerset Police this afternoon.

       The force is now appealing for any witnesses to the tragedy which happened on the motorway's eastbound stretch towards London between junctions 21 and 22 shortly after midnight.

       Police called to the crash found both cars had left the carriageway.

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       Local officers were supported at the scene by were supported by the National Police Air Service and Wales's Gwent Police.

       In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said: "Sadly two women, who were passengers in one of the vehicles, were pronounced deceased at the scene.

       "Relatives of the two women have been informed and our thoughts are with them."

       Three other people in the victims' car were taken to hospital though police said their injuries were "not thought to be life-threatening".

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       The eastbound road remained shut this afternoon, with motorists encouraged to follow a diversion route via the M49 and the M5 motorways.

       Motorists described being stuck in queues for five hours following the collision.

       Avon and Somerset Police said: "We hope to be in a position for the road to reopen at some stage this afternoon, however would advise drivers to follow National Highways South West’s Twitter feed for latest updates.

       "We’d please ask any witnesses or motorists with dashcam that could assist our ongoing enquiries call 101 and quote reference number 5223170366 or contact us via our website."