Tributes have been paid to a 29-year-old woman believed to have died in a collision on the M5 on Friday morning.

The family of Elaina Beard from Bridgwater, Somerset, said they were “totally heartbroken” by their loss.

Avon and Somerset Police were called to the four-car collision between junction 25 and 26 just before 6.20am on Friday.

Four others were injured and taken to hospital.

In a statement issued through the force, the victim’s family said: “We are totally heartbroken at the loss of our Elaina.

“She was a loving sister, daughter, auntie and friend, who was so caring both as a carer in her day job and a family member.

“Even as we write this it still doesn’t seem real that she was taken away from us so early.

“We are supporting each other as a family and have sought a little comfort in the outpouring of messages from people close and far, and we thank you all.

“We take some comfort knowing she is now with our nan and granddad.”

The road was closed until about 4.30pm while police completed their investigations at the scene.

Motorists were urged to consider delaying their journeys until later in the day.