UPDATE: 3.05pm

The protest was formed of about 100 people demonstrating against the Turkish government’s actions in Kurdistan.

Bilhan Tuncel, who lives in Bristol and is part of the group, said: “We thought it would be more effective because we want urgent attention to ask the Kurdish question.

“The community does not believe there is enough attention.”

He accused Turkey of committing a “massacre” in Kurdistan, killing up to 400 civilians.

And he added: “There is a genocide going on. There is a massacre in Kurdistan. It is not just simply violating human rights.”

Of the police's actions, he said: “They were really understanding and supportive and we moved the community to the side of the road.”

The group is still at the side of the motorway, he said. 

UPDATE: 2.30pm

UPDATE: 2.29pm

The Second Severn Crossing is now open in both directions.

UPDATE: 2.15pm

A Gwent Police spokesman said they received reports regarding a number of people who had gathered at the Second Severn Crossing at 1.40pm today.

"Police are currently on the scene and dealing with the situation. Please note that the Bridge is currently closed westbound and traffic is being diverted to the M48 Severn Crossing."

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THE SECOND Severn Crossing is closed due to a demonstration

There is also queuing traffic westbound between J21 M48 and J23 M48.

A diversion is in place to leave the M4 at J21 and use the M48 Severn Bridge congestion to J20 M5 (Almondsbury Interhcange)

Traffic is stationary between J22 M48 and J23 M48.

Have you got pictures of the protest? Email them to us at newsdesk@southwalesargus.co.uk