A major fire involving a car transporter carrying nine electric vehicles has forced the complete closure of the M5 motorway in Devon, causing significant traffic disruption during Wednesday morning's rush hour. The blaze erupted at approximately 7am between junctions 28 at Cullompton and 29 near Exeter, prompting emergency services to shut the critical transport artery in both directions. Motorists reported being trapped in standstill traffic for hours, with some forced to cancel or postpone work commitments due to the extensive delays.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the transporter was "fully involved" in fire, with five fire appliances and a water bowser deployed to battle the intense blaze. Photographs and footage from the scene showed thick black smoke billowing from the incident, with fierce orange flames engulfing both the transporter and its electric vehicle cargo. One witness reported hearing explosions during the incident, though authorities have not confirmed the cause of these sounds.

National Highways, Devon and Cornwall Police, and multiple emergency services remain on scene coordinating the response. The closure has resulted in delays of approximately 30 minutes on approaches to the affected stretch of motorway. Authorities have implemented diversion routes, with southbound traffic directed to exit at junction 28 and northbound traffic at junction 29, though police are advising motorists to avoid the area entirely due to significant traffic issues.

National Highways has not provided an estimate for when the M5 will reopen to traffic. The agency advised road users to allow extra journey time and consider rerouting or delaying travel plans. The incident highlights the growing challenges of transporting electric vehicles and the potential fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, though the exact cause of this particular fire remains under investigation by authorities.

British police have detained two individuals in connection with a violent attack near a synagogue in Manchester that left three people dead, including the assailant. The incident occurred in the Crumpsall area of Manchester, where law enforcement officers opened fire on the attacker during the confrontation. Authorities confirmed the suspect was shot and killed during the response to what has been described as a horrific attack targeting the Jewish community.

The death toll from the incident has risen to three, with two additional fatalities beyond the attacker. Five other individuals, including a synagogue security guard, sustained injuries during the attack, with three of the wounded reported to be in critical condition. Police indicated the assailant possessed devices that prompted law enforcement's use of firearms, though specific details about these devices have not been disclosed.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer interrupted his participation in the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen to return to the United Kingdom following the attack. Speaking from the airport in Copenhagen, Starmer announced he would chair an emergency Cobra committee meeting upon his arrival in London to address the situation. The Prime Minister emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring the safety of Jewish communities across the nation.

In response to the Manchester incident, British authorities have implemented enhanced security measures at synagogues nationwide. Additional police resources have been deployed around Jewish places of worship as a precautionary measure. The coordinated security response aims to prevent further incidents and maintain public safety while investigations into the Manchester attack continue.