A child has died and other passengers have been left ‘seriously injured’ after a minibus overturned on the M4, police have confirmed.

The motorway in Berkshire was locked down in both directions following the incident which took place on the slip road from Junction 10 to the A329M near Reading at around 2.45pm on Sunday.

South Central Ambulance Service sent six ambulances and five critical care units to the scene, while Thames Valley Air Ambulance sent a helicopter and a critical care response vehicle.

Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue was also in attendance as emergency services rushed to help.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) said the motorway reopened three hours after the incident but that the slip road – where the minibus rolled – remained closed. 

The force added that no arrests had been made and that those injured were receiving hospital treatment. 

TVP said: ‘The M4 eastbound exit slip road onto the A329M at J10 remains closed as we deal with a major incident.

‘Officers remain at the scene after a minibus overturned. This was a single vehicle collision and no arrests have been made.

The motorway in Berkshire was locked down in both directions following the incident which took place on the link road from Junction 10 to the A329M near Reading at about 2.45pm on Sunnday

Thames Valley Police said the motorway reopened three hours after the incident but the slip road – where the minibus rolled – remained closed

‘Sadly, a child died in the collision and our thoughts remain with the family who are being supported at this extremely difficult time.

‘Other passengers sustained serious injuries, requiring hospital treatment. We would ask motorists to continue to avoid the area. Thank you.’

National Highways said earlier today that the motorway had been shut because of a ‘serious injury incident involving an overturned vehicle’ on the slip road.

It also warned drivers that there would be ‘severe’ delays as a result.