Traffic alert: M1 closed in Northants after police find body in road

The M1 in Northamptonshire is closed northbound between J16 (Northampton) and J18 (Rugby) after a body was found on the motorway.

The stretch of the M1 is expected to remain closed for much of Tuesday, causing long delays for motorists.

Northants Police said in a statement: “The motorway’s northbound carriageway was closed at about 3am from junctions 16 to 17.

“Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes and diversions will be in place.

“A police investigation into the incident is under way.

“Witnesses, or anyone with information, can police on 101 or 03000111222 if outside of the county.”

Highways England says a signed diversion route is available for northbound traffic which should exit at J16 and following the hollow triangle symbol via the A45 westbound and A5 northbound and then the A428 eastbound and A5 eastbound to re-join the M1 at J18.

Traffic approaching from London and the South East on the M25 travelling to the North is advised to use the M40 and J15 and then join the A46 northbound and M69 northbound to join the M1 at J21.