There is travel chaos in surrounding roads due to the M1 being closed after a “serious incident”.

Herts Police shut the motorway, in both directions, after a crash between junctions 6 and 8 early this morning.

The force expected the closures to remain in place “for some time” and advised motorists to seek alternative routes, which are now also heavily congested and include the A405 and A414.

Read our more recent article here, containing the sad news that a man died in the second crash

National Highways has reported "up to 90-minutes" of delays and 8.5 miles of congestion, after confirming the road was shut at 6.11am.

The following junctions have also been closed: Junction 8 travelling south, Junction 6 travelling north, junction 21A of the M25-North Orbital Road, and the slips from the M25 that join the M1.

National Highways described the crash as the result of a “serious incident” in the motorway. Emergency services have been contacted for more information. Updates to follow.

Motorway cameras have shown vehicles that appeared to be trying to drive northbound on the southbound carriageway to avoid the closure.

National Highways has given 10.30am to 10.45am as the expected time for the road closure to clear.

This is, however, just an estimated time and the actual clear time could be significantly earlier or later.