INCREDIBLE photos have been released showing a traffic officer attempting to catch a runaway goat on the M5 near Stroud.

Traffic was stopped after three goats managed to get loose onto the northbound carriageway between junction 13 and junction 12 at around 1.15pm this afternoon, Monday, March 25. 

A picture shared by a reader Kerry Lynch shows one officer attempting to catch one of the goats with a rope and pole device. 

Another photo shows the same goat taking a huge leap.

Gazette Series: Incredible photos as officer attempts to catch runway goats on M5

Gazette Series: Incredible photos as officer attempts to catch runway goats on M5

National Highways and Gloucestershire Police eventually reopened the section of the M5 at 2.13pm with drivers experiencing delays of around an hour. 

There were also delays on the M5 southbound and on the nearby A38 Bristol Road between Hardwicke and Whitminster.

A spokesperson from National Highways said on social media: "The wandering goats have been secured and taken to a place away from the motorway.

"60 minute delay north and 45 minute south remain but should begin to ease now.

"Thanks for your patience."

Gazette Series: Incredible photos as officer attempts to catch runway goats on M5

Gazette Series: Incredible photos as officer attempts to catch runway goats on M5