TWO men have been seriously injured in a crash that closed the A465 near the Welsh border this morning.

Motorists were advised to find alternative routes whilst emergency services dealt with the crash.

A fire service spokesman said that firefighters from Ewyas Harold and Peterchurch were called to the scene of a crash involving a pick-up truck and a large van at 6.32am today.

Crews used heavy cutting equipment to remove a number of parts from one vehicle to enable the safe removal of one driver who was trapped in the crash.

An ambulance service spokeswoman said: "We were called to reports of a two vehicle crash near Pontrilas at 6.36am today.

"Two ambulances and a paramedic officer attended the scene of the crash.

"Both male drivers were taken to hospital with serious injuries."

In a tweet, Herefordshire Operations Patrol Unit said: "A465 closed near to Pontrilas and Ewyas Harold due to a serious RTC.

"The road will be closed for some considerable time."

A police spokeswoman confirmed that the road had reopened this afternoon.