POLICE are today expected to name a 15-year-old boy killed in a crash on the M4.

Saturday's accident, which happened just after 2.30pm on the eastbound carriageway, was followed shortly by a second smash virtually opposite.

The motorway was closed in both directions for three hours between junctions 17 and 18, the turns offs for Chippenham and Bath.

Swindon traffic police said they believed the second accident could have happened after a driver was distracted by the first.

Police family liaison officer PC Glenn Powell said the boy, from Somerset, was not likely to be formally identified until later today. A woman, who suffered head injuries, is seriously ill in a Southampton hospital.

The first crash involved a blue Volvo estate and a Silver Citroen Saxo. The second involved two cars and a flatbed truck.

There were long tailbacks, but many Swindon Town fans returning from the match at Plymouth managed to avoid the delays by staying on the M5 until the Cirencester turnoff.

The crash happened in almost the same place as an accident in August 2002, when Mark Jenkins, 28, of Swindon died after the ambulance in which he was being treated for chest pains was hit by a lorry. James Kelly, 44, of Pontypool was jailed for three and a half years three weeks ago after admitting causing death by dangerous driving.

Traffic police at Westlea are appealing for witnesses, who should call 01793 528111.