M1 expected to stay shut for ‘several hours’ as police investigate …
A "serious incident" has led to the closure of the M1 in Leicestershire today. Both sides of the motorway were closed between Lutterworth and Leicester from around 8am.
All traffic was stopped in both directions, with drivers trapped within the closure for several hours. The southbound side reopened at around 9.45am, but the northbound side, where the crash appears to have happened, is expected to remain closed for "several hours" more as police investigate the incident.
The police have not yet confirmed the details of the crash, but did warn drivers this morning to expect "significant delays". National Highways has since described the incident as being "serious". Follow our live coverage for latest updates here[1].
In the most recent update, highways officers said: "Leicestershire Police i[3]nvestigations remain ongoing at the scene and the closure is expected to be in place for several hours." Officers in attendance placed a screen around the scene as the incident was dealt with.
Traffic caught within the closure on the northbound side was eventually released past the scene in lane three of the carriageway. There are still delays of around 45 minutes on the motorway as drivers are diverted. Drivers on the northbound side are being advised to follow the 'hollow square' diversion symbol and road signs.
References
- ^ Follow our live coverage for latest updates here (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ East Midlands Airport passenger tells of 'alarming' atmosphere as armed police surrounded plane (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Leicestershire Police i (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)