THE driver of a lorry that crashed spilling bleach and fuel across the M4, closing the motorway, escaped unharmed.

THE HGV was travelling west between junctions 12 and 11 when it flipped onto its side, closing two lanes early on Friday morning.

Police, fire and ambulanc crews were called to the scene after the lorry spilt bleach and diesel over the road near Reading Services at 4.45am.

Highways England later shut the road for recovery work.

Watch manager James McGuinnity from Caversham Road fire station said it paritally slipped down the bank.

"It had overturned so it was partially blocking the road," he said. "The hard shoulder as wells as lanes one and two were closed.

"It had partially spilt its load of domestic bleach which had mixed with other spillage."

The firefighters contained the spillage and made the scene safe.

Highways England have closed the road to allow emergency services to recover the lorry.

A Highways England Spokesman said: "The M4 in Berkshire is currently closed eastbound between J12 and J11 due to an overturned lorry and subsequent spillage.

"There is a signed diversion route in place and eastbound traffic should follow the Hollow Circle diversion symbol via the below route:

"Exit the M4 at J12 and take the first exit onto the A4. Continue to the A4155 junction and turn right to remain on the A4.

"Continue on the A4 then turn right onto the A33 and continue southbound to re-join the M4 at J11."

The carriageway reopened between junctions 13 and 11 shortly after 1pm.