M1 partly closed in Herts after serious crash

A northbound section of the M1 in Hertfordshire has been shut after a serious collision, just a few miles from where the M1 in Bedfordshire was closed earlier.

Police said at about 16:40 BST they were dealing with the crash, which is between junction eight for Hemel Hempstead and junction nine for Flamstead in Herts.

The other emergency services, including the air ambulance, were at the scene and diversions were put in place, said National Highways.

Another part of the northbound carriageway, between junction 11 for Luton and junction 11a for Houghton Regis in Beds, has now reopened, but two lanes remained closed following a crash at noon, the agency said.

A significant clear-up operation has been required to clear the carriageways, following the earlier crash, which closed the road for hours.

Two cars and two lorries were involved and firefighters tacked an unrelated lorry fire, which was part of the traffic caught within the closure, said National Highways.

Meanwhile, Hertfordshire Police warned the M1 northbound between Hemel Hempstead and Flamstead would be closed for some time.

Officers asked drivers to find alternative routes.

National Highways said traffic caught within the closure "is now passing the scene of the incident via lane four", but warned but this would take some time.

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