DRIVERS are being urged to avoid the A365 at sells Green near Devizes as emergency services respond to a serious accident involving two vehicles.

A male driver trapped in a silver Volkswagen saloon was cut free using hydraulic rescue equipment and was airlifted to Southmead Hospital with serious injuries.

A cement mixer vehicle ended up on its side following the crash but the driver did not need cutting free. He was taken to the Royal United Hospital in Bath by land ambulance.

The crash occurred just before 1.30pm on a sharp left-hand bend close to the entrance of Broad Lane Farm.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “Police were called at 1.30pm to a serious-injury two-vehicle road traffic collision on the A365 at Sells Green, near Devizes.

“The driver of one of the vehicles has been airlifted to Southmead Hospital with serious injuries and the driver of another vehicle has been taken to the Royal United Hospital by land ambulance.

“Police, fire and ambulance crews have been on the scene and the road is closed in both directions.”

Three fire engines were sent, from Devizes, Corsham and Trowbridge as well as a heavy rescue unit from Trowbridge.

The A365 is currently closed at the bottom of Caen Hill through to Melksham and Seend High Street is also closed.

Police added: “There are currently routine roadworks on the nearby A361 through Seend, which were due to be lifted at 3.30pm, but that reopening has been delayed. Motorists are being advised to avoid the area.

"As Seend High Street is also closed, this will mean that there will be significant traffic delays in the area. We advise all drivers to seek alternative routes."

HGV drivers were urged to check their SatNavs carefully as many minor roads around that area are unsuitable for large vehicles.