HGV driver held after M1 deaths

Three people died after a lorry crashed on the M1

A lorry driver has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after three people died in an accident on the M1 motorway.

The HGV went through the central reservation near Watford Gap Services in Northamptonshire and hit a car, killing its three adult occupants.

The 45-year-old, from Luton, is to be questioned later on Thursday.

The southbound carriageway has been re-opened, but the northbound section remains closed.

'Completely crushed'

More details about the identities of the three dead are unlikely on Thursday, said Northamptonshire police, although they are not thought to be from the county.

The car, a Seat Cordoba, was completely crushed in the impact, said a force spokeswoman.

Supt Simon Blatchly said: "It was a very difficult scene for the officers to deal with.

"We are dealing with it professionally and as a major incident.

"Officers are manning motorway junctions to offer reassurance to motorists."

Motorists travelling south were diverted off the M1 at junction 19 onto the A14 and then either the A1(M) or the M11 towards London.

Motorists heading north were being advised to use the same diversion route in reverse or, alternatively, the M40, the Highways Agency said.