Lanes have been temporarily closed on the M1 southbound between junctions 17 and 16. This is due to a collision involving multiple vehicles on the motorway, according to National Highways (NH).

       Delays were built up due to the accident, continuing past 4.20pm.

       NH’s East Midlands branch posted on Twitter at 3.13pm: “Two (of four) lanes closed on the M1 southbound between J17 and J16…

       “Delays are building on approach.”

       The junctions are near to Northampton.

       Just 10 minutes later, an update revealed that a third lane had been closed.

       The collision resulted in an oil spillage across the carriageway, NH reported.

       It said at around 3.30pm: “There is now just over four and a half miles of congestion on approach.”

       Travellers were advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

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       Images from Highways England showed emergency services attending the scene of the accident.

       Vehicles could also be seen passing the scene in a single file.

       Other images showed dozens of cars and lorries gridlocked on limited lanes.

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       Emergency services remained at the scene an hour after the collision was first reported.

       By 4pm, no lanes had reopened.

       Delays continued to grow, according to NH.

       “There is a 40 minute delay on approach with six miles of congestion.”

       By 5.20pm, all lanes had been reopened.