A section of the M4 motorway was forced to shut down this morning after a collision between two lorries in West Berkshire. 

One of the juggernauts ploughed into the central reservation between Junctions 13 and 14, closing the Westbound carriageway and sparking at least seven miles of tailbacks.

Emergency service crews carrying specialist rescue equipment rushed to the scene and firefighters helped ambulance officers rescue one of the drivers from his cab.

Roads policing officers from Thames Valley Police confirmed the force would investigate the crash, which saw one of the drivers rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving while above the legal drink-drive limit and taken into police custody.

Investigating Officer, Sergeant Tony Griffiths of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: "We are appealing for anyone who was travelling on the M4 in either direction this morning between the times of 2.30am and 3am near to Junction 13 and 14 of the M4 Westbound to come forward as they may have information to help us with our investigation.

"We would ask anyone who has witnessed the collision, or who may have seen anything prior to or immediately after the collision to contact us via 101 quoting the reference 99 08/12/16."

The road was closed Westbound with tailbacks stretching back more than seven miles.

A Highways England spokesman added: "Recovery and clear-up work of the HGV's and a shed load are currently ongoing.

"Road users are advised to follow the Hollow Square symbol led diversion. Exit the M4 at J13 and follow the A34 southbound. Exit the A34 at the A4 interchange. Continue on the A4 towards Hungerford, At the A338 roundabout turn right and follow the A338 to the M4 at J14 to re-join westbound.

"Road users are also advised to allow extra time for their journey. "

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: "Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a serious injury road traffic collision. on the M4 in Berkshire "At around 2.38am this morning two HGVs have collided.

"The collision occurred on the M4 westbound between Junction 13 (A34/Chievely) and Junction 14 (Hungerford).

"One of the drivers has sustained serious injuries and has been taken to hospital.

"A 37-year-old man from Reading was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving while above the alcohol level and is currently in custody."