Part of the M32 is expected to remain closed today (December 19) after two "large defects" - including a three-metre pothole - were found on the motorway. Emergency roadworks are expected to be completed on the road throughout the afternoon after the defects were found between junctions three and two in the early hours of this morning.

Two motorway lanes were closed between the Lower Ashley Road Interchange and Eastville Interchange in the early hours of the morning. National Highways says one of the potholes is reported to be three metres by one metre in size.

National Highways says the two defects "deteriorated overnight" and now pose a safety risk to those using the carriageway. Lanes two and three will remain closed while the repair work is completed, but the dedicated Eastville-bound lane one remains open, enabling drivers to head up and over the junctions via exit and entry slip roads.

Workers are expected to be onsite for repairs by late morning, with the work being completed through the afternoon. In a statement, National Highways said it hopes to have the road reopen in time for the afternoon rush hour.

Full closures expected to take place overnight to carryout further repairs. Clarke Hobbs, On Road Teams Manager for National Highways said: "We appreciate closures are frustrating, but we can reassure drivers that safety is and always will be our top priority.

"That is why we are carrying out these essential repairs under a closure on the M32. We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause and ask those travelling to please allow additional time for your journeys."