ONE person was airlifted to hospital and a large section of the M4 remains closed this afternoon following a multiple vehicle accident on the eastbound carriageway.

The accident involving four cars happened at around 2.30pm just beyond the slip road at junction 30.

South Wales Police said a number of people were taken to hospital for treatment and one person was airlifted to Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales with serious injuries.

Both the east and westbound carriageways were closed following the accident.

The west bound carriageway has now reopened, but the eastbound carriageway is still closed between junction 30 and junction 28.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said crews released three people from their cars, and hydraulic cutting equipment was in use at the scene.

The Welsh Ambulance Service said they arrived on the scene at 2.31pm, and two casualties were taken to Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital by ambulance.