major incident on M1. Picture form Highways England

The M1 in Leicestershire has been closed after a crash involving four lorries – with delays towards Nottingham.

Delays on M1 Northbound. Photo credit Highways England

The carrigeway going northbound towards Nottingham has been shut between junctions 19 for Catthorpe and 21 for Leicester as a result of a crash that happened at 3.20am on Thursday.

A spokeswoman for Leicestershire Police, said: “A man had been taken to University Hospital Coventry in a life-threatening condition.”

There are significant delays Northbound towards Nottingham.

Highways England have advised motorist to use alternative route to avoid junctions 19 and 21. A diversion has been put in place via the M6 and M69.

East Midlands Ambulance Service have asked people using the M1 to avoid the area.

Twitter post by @HighwaysEMIDS: The #M1 northbound is now being closed at J19 #Catthorpe to divert traffic via the M6 and M69. You'll be able to rejoin the M1 at J21 for #Leicester as long as you stay on the M6 to J2 and then join the M69 northbound.
Tweet from Highways England on M1 Northbound crash

Originally, both directions were closed but the southbound side towards London was reopened at 5.30am.

Police say that they were called to a second crash on the same northbound lane on junction 19 at around 6.45am, between a lorry and three other vehicles.

M1 in Leicestershire
M1 Northbound this morning. Photo from Highways England.

One person suffered minor injuries and since has been cleared.