Traffic to the north of Bath was thrown into chaos for more than seven hours yesterday after a trailer containing 100 pigs overturned.

Emergency crews were called to the junction of the A46 and A420 Cold Ashton roundabout at 2.07pm after a tractor was blown over by high winds.

The driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries although these are not thought to be life-threatening.

No other vehicles were involved in the incident.

Police closed the A46 between Bath and the roundabout and called in the RSPCA to deal with the animals, some of which are dead while others are injured.

Motorists were advised to find alternative routes and diversions put up around the area.

At one point, there was a queue all the way from Cold Ashton to Batheaston and the road was not reopened until 9.15pm.

Officers would also like to appeal for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them on 0845 456 7000.

The tractor driver, who is in his 40s, was taken to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol for treatment to head and chest injuries.

He was conscious and breathing throughout.

The Wiltshire Air Ambulance had been due to fly in but was stood down – partly due to high winds, but also partly because of fears that landing nearby would have caused the pigs to panic

The trailer split open, which allowed some of the animals to escape, but others were trapped inside.

Great Western Ambulance Service paramedic Phil Goodway said: “There were obviously animals in distress. The noise coming from inside the trailer was absolutely horrific.”