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'Suspicious object' causes M1 closure near Milton Keynes 'Suspicious object' causes M1 closure near Milton Keynes
(about 1 hour later)
Motorists have been stranded for hours after the discovery of a "suspicious object" forced the closure of the M1. Motorists were left stranded for several hours after a "suspicious object" was found under a bridge, forcing the closure of the M1.
The 11 mile (18km) stretch between junctions 15 at Northampton and 14 at Milton Keynes has been shut both ways since 07:30 BST. The 11 mile (18km) stretch between junctions 15 at Northampton and 14 at Milton Keynes was shut both ways at 07:30 BST.
The northbound carriage has now reopened but southbound remains closed, Highways England said.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the object was not an explosive.
However, it added the liquid appeared to be a chemical and analysis was ongoing.
Footage earlier showed a bomb disposal robot pulling a bin bag off the hard shoulder, which appeared to contain a yellow substance.Footage earlier showed a bomb disposal robot pulling a bin bag off the hard shoulder, which appeared to contain a yellow substance.
Thames Valley Police confirmed no explosive element was found.
However, it said the liquid appeared to be a chemical and analysis was ongoing.
Live updates on this story and moreLive updates on this story and more
People are being urged to avoid the area and trapped northbound motorists have been redirected from the scene via Newport Pagnell services. Trapped northbound motorists were stranded for several hours before being redirected from the scene via Newport Pagnell services.
Highways England has posted diversions but it is unclear when the road will reopen. A spokesman said tailbacks had roughly halved "down to about three or four kilometres". The Ministry of Defence said it had provided police with "explosive ordnance device assistance".
Motorist Ruth Middleton has been stuck in traffic for more than five hours. Thames Valley Police chief inspector Mark Lewis said there was "no evidence to suggest that this is a terrorist-related incident".
"I have got my laptop out, some people have been having naps. There hasn't been a lot to do other than kill time," she said. He confirmed as there was no explosive device there had been no controlled explosion.
Tim Mayer, a Conservative councillor from Coventry caught up in the delays, said communication from police had been "appalling" but people had been trying to make the most of the free time. "The object contains a highly corrosive material which has leaked across lanes one and two, therefore the clear up process will take a significant amount of time," he continued.
Tim Mayer, a Conservative councillor from Coventry caught up in the delays, earlier said communication from police had been "appalling" but people had been trying to make the most of the free time.
"There's a five-a-side football competition, a bit of rugby, a guy cycling up and down in the wrong direction," he said."There's a five-a-side football competition, a bit of rugby, a guy cycling up and down in the wrong direction," he said.
"There are a few people with coffee in the car who have shared it around and others with some boiled sweets who have been generous."There are a few people with coffee in the car who have shared it around and others with some boiled sweets who have been generous.
"But the communication from police has been appalling.""But the communication from police has been appalling."
Highways England has a diversion in place for those travelling southbound via the A508.
At the scene - Mike Cartwright, BBC NewsAt the scene - Mike Cartwright, BBC News
I've been speaking to people who have been stuck on the M1 for hours now.I've been speaking to people who have been stuck on the M1 for hours now.
Trevor Larkun has been stranded since 08:30, he says people are being "mostly patient" and chatting to other motorists.Trevor Larkun has been stranded since 08:30, he says people are being "mostly patient" and chatting to other motorists.
"The mood is OK, we've had a few people come and deliver bottles of water and crisps," he said."The mood is OK, we've had a few people come and deliver bottles of water and crisps," he said.
"I've got sympathy for people I've seen walking down the hard shoulder with suitcases, presumably trying to catch a flight."I've got sympathy for people I've seen walking down the hard shoulder with suitcases, presumably trying to catch a flight.
"The worst thing is you don't know how long you're going to be here for.""The worst thing is you don't know how long you're going to be here for."
Mr Larkun said that police officers told other motorists they may cut the central reservation at some point to release vehicles from the carriageway.Mr Larkun said that police officers told other motorists they may cut the central reservation at some point to release vehicles from the carriageway.
On Twitter, one motorist wrote: "When you see a helicopter above you and kinda wish they were lowering a portaloo #m1 3 hours and counting..." Stranded motorists took to playing football, frisbee and touch rugby on the empty stretch of the M1 to pass the time.
The Ministry of Defence said it had provided police with "explosive ordnance device assistance". On Twitter, former England cricketer James Taylor joked he "might get the clubs out - perfect driving range".