UPDATE: M1 shut between Northampton and Milton Keynes following Wednesday rush-hour smash

A rush-hour smash leaving two vehicles overturned has shut the M1 southbound between Northampton and Milton Keynes on Wednesday morning.

Highways England confirmed the southbound carriageway is closed at Junction 15 following the smash involving a Renault van and a Lexus SUV just before 7.30am.

Emergency Services from Northampton are at the scene but the agency is advising anyone making essential journeys to avoid the area.

There are six-mile tailbacks on the motorway with traffic also queuing on the A45 in Northampton as vehicles heading for the motorway are forced to take a diversion.