Closure in both directions on major UK motorway as emergency services scrambled

The National Highways has urged the motorists to “re-route” their journeys in case the closure impacts them.

It said: “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.

“Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our www.trafficengland.com website and travel apps, or via our regional X feed. Our 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.”