A WOMAN received serious injuries after the car she was travelling in crashed on the M5 motorway between Clevedon and Portishead on Sunday.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the incident, which happened at about 2pm on the northbound carriageway.

A green and gold Mitsubishi Shogun was travelling between junction 20 and 21 when it careered off the motorway and went down an embankment, before turning over.

The driver was unhurt, but the female passenger, received serious injuries. These are not believed to be life-threatening although she is currently being treated in Frenchay Hospital.

One lane of the motorway was closed from 2-5pm on Sunday afternoon while the collision unit investigated.

Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the vehicle leave the carriageway or saw it driving prior to the collision. Call 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A spate of accidents also occurred on Saturday following a heavy overnight frost.

The A370 was closed in both directions following a series of crashes and ice on the road, which had not been gritted.

At about 10am, the road was closed northbound at Long Ashton because of a crash involving three cars. One car rolled and another crashed into the verge.

Paramedics from Great Western Ambulance attended the scene.

Spokeswoman Mel Glanville said: "The incident involved three vehicles and is thought to be linked to the ice on the roads. There were only minor injuries."

In Congresbury an accident where the Bristol Road meets the High Street also meant the A370 was blocked. The crash involved two cars and happened at about 9.45am.

A 52-year-old woman who was travelling in one of the cars suffered neck pain and was taken to hospital as a precaution.