A PERSON had to be freed by fire crews following a crash between a van and HGV.

The incident happened on the M5 southbound on J28 near Cullompton at 3.38am this morning.

Four fire engines from Cullompton, Tiverton and Exeter Middlemoor, along with Middlemoors Rescue Vehichle were sent.

Upon arrival, crews found a collision involving a van and a HGV, with one person physically trapped.

Crews set to work attempting to release the casualty using hydraulic cutting equipment.

The casualty was released using two sets of hydraulic cutting equipment and one set of battery operated cutting equipment.

They were then taken into the care of the ambulance service.

A spokesman for the ambulance service said: "We were called to a two vehicle RTC, and the fire service was there as well, and so were the police.

"There was one casualty with a leg injury. They have been taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital."