Real-time Updates
Stay informed with our ongoing reports as we bring you the latest developments on a police matter that caused complete road closures along the M1 southbound route between junction 2 (A1 Watford Way, Barnet By-Pass/Fiveways Corner) and junction 1 (A406 North Circular, Staples Corner).
What occurred?
At around 11.10am today, a warning appeared on AA Maps showing that a police matter had brought about a full closure of all lanes on the M1 southbound.
Potential abduction attempt
A driver who found themselves at a standstill in the traffic contacted us to report that an attempted hijacking took place on this stretch of motorway. According to the driver, they were behind a VIP police escort moving from Watford in the direction of Brent Cross, but the escort stopped due to an incident ahead. An officer told them there was an attempt to hijack where someone transferred between two moving vehicles. They were trapped for over half an hour.
We have contacted the Metropolitan Police for confirmation.
Situation update
Lane restrictions removed
The lane restrictions have been cleared following the police matter, although traffic remains flowing at a very slow speed.
Share your account
Were you affected by the traffic disruption? Do you possess any information or images from the scene?
If so, please reach us at gianni.cirillo@newsquest.co.uk.
Awaiting official confirmation
We have contacted the relevant emergency services and are awaiting a response.
A driver stuck in the queue on the M1 said an officer told them an attempted hijacking had happened.
This has not yet been confirmed by police.
Vehicle breakdown
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson has indicated that officers are attending to a vehicle with mechanical issues on the M1. According to the spokesperson, officers are assisting Highways England after receiving a report of a vehicle breakdown on the M1, NW2 at approximately 11:54hrs on Sunday, 22 March.
Matter concluded
The incident has been resolved.
Final update
Our live reporting has now ended.
Thank you for following our updates, goodbye.