Double crash closes M1 motorway in both directions

Image source, Highways England

Image caption, Diversions have been put in place but there are already long delays

Two separate crashes halted traffic on both carriageways of the M1 near East Midlands Airport.

Emergency services were called at around 14:45 BST to the northbound carriageway between J23a and J24 due to a serious multi-vehicle collision.

National Highways said the southbound side had been blocked by a separate collision.

Leicestershire Police said the road had fully reopened by 18:30.

The air ambulance was called to the scene but no details of injuries have been confirmed.

Two lanes on the southbound carriageway were reopened at about 16:00.

Severe delays were reported, with drivers asked to avoid the area.

Congestion also affected the A50 eastbound, A42 northbound and A453 north and south.

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