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There has been anger and disbelief after a caravan crashed on the M5 this afternoon, while the UK has been instructed to 'stay at home, protect the NHS and stay at home' during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

At 3.22pm, two southbound lanes of the motorway remained closed due to the incident on the Devon and Somerset border, between Wellington and Tiverton.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: "Police were called to the M5 between junction 26-27 southbound at around 1.30pm with reports that a caravan was on its side with the car still attached.

"Reports suggest it was part of a convoy of caravans.

"Report that two lanes were blocked and a dog was loose."

The story has provoked an angry reaction on social media, with furious comments directed at tourists who appear to be ignoring Devon and Cornwall's plea that they #comebacklater.

On Twitter, the Office of Police & Crime Commissioner said: "@DC_Police, local authorities, tourism boards & partner agencies is clear - now is not the time to be visiting #Devon & #Cornwall, please #ComeBacklater!"

Also on Twitter, William Davies said: "If they were coming here on holiday, take their caravan away and crush it, don't let the insurance pay out and fine them £10,000. Send a message to people that this is unacceptable."

Jamie Sheehan said: "The caravan driver should be arrested for breaking lockdown rules."

Natasha Carthew said: "Seriously? A convoy of Caravans?"

#ComeBackLater Devon and Cornwall is understandably proud of its renowned stunning coastlines, wide open spaces and gallons of fresh air and thrive from the millions of visitors who come to enjoy our part of the world each year. However, the outbreak of coronavirus in the UK has changed our day to day lives while the government is calling for the nation to stop all non essential travel in a bid to stop the spread of the disease that has so tragically claimed lives in the UK. In the South West not only do we have a proportion of elderly people living here, those who are some of the most vulnerable to coronavirus, but we also have NHS trusts that are stretched to capacity without any extra pressure. We want to help saves lives and help bring an end to the outbreak as soon as we possibly can. Therefore we are aiming to spread the message of come back later as far and as wide as possible through a campaign launching today - #comebacklater.

And Liskeard Town Councillor Simon Cassidy said: "Seriously when will people start listening....."

Meanwhile, on Facebook, one reader said raged: "Can I speak for most of us here in Cornwall when I say, GO HOME YOUR NOT WELCOME."

Another commented: "If it was up to me, for anyone coming down to stay in Cornwall, the police would knock on their caravan door, fine them £1000 per person (including for any minors) and advise them to go back where they came from. This should be an on the spot fine, failure to pay resulting in 14 days quarantine at her Majesty's pleasure. If they do pay but do not heed notice to leave, this should be repeated daily. "

"The police should stop everyone of them and fine them and send them back home," said another.

While someone else fumed: "WE DONT WANT YOU IN DEVON."

The latest updates on this story can be found here.