M1 traffic LIVE: Chaos as motorway shut in both directions after lorry crash

The M1 has closed in both directions following a collision between two lorries. A vehicle fire and spillage has sparked the full closure in both directions as emergency services work at the scene. The affected route is between J21 (M69, Leicester) and J20 (Lutterworth).

08:49Zahra Khaliq

Witnesses asked to come forward

Police have asked witnesses or anyone with information on the crash to come forward.

Anyone with information regarding the incident can contact police on 101 quoting incident 61 of 3 November.

08:34Zahra Khaliq

Incident ongoing with delays to be expected

Drivers have been urged to avoid the M1 south of Leicester with delays expected near junctions 20 and 21. "Please avoid the M1 south of Leicester this morning," Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said. "The motorway is shut in both directions between J20 and J21 following a road traffic collision. Our crews are in attendance along with EMAS and Leicestershire Police.

This is an ongoing incident, motorists should expect delays."

08:31Zahra Khaliq

Statement from National Highways

National Highways said: "A subsequent vehicle fire and spillage has necessitated a full closure in both directions. All emergency services are on scene. If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time.

Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."

08:20Zahra Khaliq

Northbound diverted traffic route

Northbound diverted traffic is advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol:

• Exit the M1 northbound at Junction 20 and take the first exist (west) onto the A4303.
• Continue along the A4303 to the A4303/A426 Lutterworth Road/Rugby Road Roundabout and then take the second exit from the roundabout.
• Continue westbound along the A4303 passing through a further two roundabout at Coventry Road and Magna Park to A5/A4303 Cross in Hand Roundabout.
• Then take the fourth exit from the Roundabout and proceed north along the A5.
• Continue northbound along the A5 Watling Street for approximately 10.3kms to the A5/M69 Junction 1 Interchange.
• At the Interchange take the fifth exit onto the M69 northbound.
• Continue along the M69 northbound for approximately 14.5kms to M69 Junction 2/M1 Junction 20 and rejoin the M1 Northbound

07:54Zahra Khaliq

Diversion route for those travelling southbound

Southbound diverted traffic is advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol:

• Exit the M1 southbound at Junction 21 and take the third exit (south/west) onto the M69.
• Continue south/westbound on the M69 for approximately 14.5kms to M69 Junction1/A5 Interchange.
• At M69 Junction 1 exit the motorway and take the first exit (left) onto the A5 southbound.
• Continue along the A5 southbound for approximately 10.3kms to the A5/A4303 Cross in Hand Roundabout.
• At the roundabout take the first exit (left) onto the A4303 eastbound.
• Continue eastbound along the A4303 passing through the roundabouts at Magna Park and Coventry Road to the A5/A426
• Lutterworth Road/Rugby Road Roundabout.
• At the roundabout take the second exit (straight ahead) and continue eastbound along the A4303 to M1 Junction 20. Then rejoin the M1 southbound.

07:39KEY EVENT

Police urge drivers to close windows due to fire

Leicestershire Police have urged drivers to return to their vehicles, and stay there with the windows are closed and air vents turned off due to the smoke in the area. "Safe passage will be arranged off the motorway as soon as possible," the force added.

07:37Zahra Khaliq

Drivers warned to re-route

Drivers are being asked to allow extra journey time, plan ahead, re-route or even delay their journey this morning following a collision.

07:27Zahra Khaliq

Closure sparked by crash and lorry fire

A collision which sparked a lorry fire has caused the M1 to close in both directions this morning.

Both the southbound and northbound carriageways between junctions 21 and 20 currently remain closed as emergency services remain at the scene in response to the incident, Leicestershire Police said.

07:23Zahra Khaliq

What section of the M1 is closed?

The affected route is between J21 (M69, Leicester) and J20 (Lutterworth).