Sixteen people have been taken to hospital after a white Ford transit mini-bus crashed on the M40 southbound between junction 12 and 11.

The accident happened shortly after 3pm today and all 16 people on board, the driver and 15 passengers, required hospital treatment.

Fifteen were described as walking wounded while one had serious injuries which are not thought to be life-threatening.

They were taken to six hospitals in the region by ambulances from South Central Ambulance Service and Coventry and Warwickshire Ambulance NHS Trust.

Long delays were reported while collision investigators dealt with the site and the road was completely shut for 30 minutes, with one lane reopening at 3.45pm.

The motorway was expected to be fully reopen by 7pm.

Any witnesses to the accident should contact Pc Brian Perry on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.