M1 Motorway Partially Reopens After 'Suspicious Object' Found

Picture Credit: Costa Stathis

Police have partially reopened a section of the M1 motorway after a bomb squad was called to investigate a "suspicious object".

The motorway was shut between junction 14 at Milton Keynes and junction 15 at Northampton.

Thames Valley Police confirmed the object was not an explosive, but "highly corrosive material" leaked across two lanes of the motorway.

A Royal Logistic Corp bomb disposal unit was seen at the scene and three fire crews are also in attendance.

Chief Inspector Mark Lewis of the Joint Roads Policing Unit for Thames Valley and Hampshire said:

"There is no evidence to suggest that this is a terrorist related incident. The object does not contain an improvised explosive device and therefore has been no controlled explosion."

The object was discovered at around 7.30am during the morning rush hour, according to Thames Valley Police.

The Highways Agency warned drivers to expect delays.

One Twitter user posted a video of traffic at a standstill and drivers abandoning their stationary cars to play a game of football.