A motorway has been closed after a vehicle reportedly struck a bridge in a “serious” lorry crash.

National Highways has confirmed that the southbound M1 is shut between junction 8, for Hemel Hempstead, and junction 6, for the M25, this afternoon (April 15).

At around 12.15pm Herts Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they had two crews from Hemel Hempstead Fire Station and the rescue support unit at the scene of a lorry crash at junction 6A.

They advised motorists to find alternative travel arrangements and a diversion route is in place.

National Highways’ traffic information map is listing the reason for the closure as “vehicle striking a bridge”. Herts Police and the fire service have been contacted for confirmation.

In a message posted to the force’s social media pages, Herts Police said: “We are currently dealing with a road traffic collision on the M1.

“We would ask you to please avoid the area at this time as the M1 is closed at junction 6A southbound.”