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M1 closed in both directions as bomb disposal unit investigates 'suspicious object' found under motorway bridge | M1 closed in both directions as bomb disposal unit investigates 'suspicious object' found under motorway bridge |
(about 4 hours later) | |
The M1 motorway was closed for several hours in both directions on Tuesday due to reports of a "suspicious object", which was later discovered to contain a highly corrosive material. | |
Thames Valley Police are investigating what the substance was, which had spilled across two lanes of the road. | |
Diversions were in place between between junction 14 for Milton Keynes and junction 15 for Northampton for around nine hours. | |
The suspicious object was found beneath one of the motorway bridges around 7.30am, Thames Valley Police said. | The suspicious object was found beneath one of the motorway bridges around 7.30am, Thames Valley Police said. |
A bomb disposal unit was seen travelling along the hard shoulder towards the scene, although the police force later said there was no evidence that the incident was terror related. | |
Three fire crews from Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene. | |
Highways England warned of "long delays" on approach to the area. | Highways England warned of "long delays" on approach to the area. |
It said to expect delays of at least an hour and recommended motorists use alternative routes. | It said to expect delays of at least an hour and recommended motorists use alternative routes. |
Photos shared on social media showed people walking along the hard shoulder with their suitcases. | Photos shared on social media showed people walking along the hard shoulder with their suitcases. |
One user reported hearing a bang. They added: "Suspicious package dealt with maybe?" | One user reported hearing a bang. They added: "Suspicious package dealt with maybe?" |
The northbound carriageway was reopened shortly after 5pm, but the road remained closed southbound at junction 15. | |
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 [sic]. | |
"However, 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. | |
"Chemical analysis is ongoing to ascertain what the substance within the object is". |