Police launch appeal for witnesses over crash on the M1

POLICE investigating a crash on the M1 last week have released a list of vehicles they would like to trace to speak to potential witnesses. Drivers or occupants of six vehicles are being asked to come forward as it is believed they may have information that could assist officers, police said. The pile-up, which left a man fighting for his life, led to the motorway being closed for 12 hours. Police said in a statement: “From enquiries carried out so far, it’s believed a dark Vauxhall Astra and a silver Ford Focus will have had to move from the outside lane to avoid colliding with the vehicles involved.” Drivers of the following vehicles travelling northbound between Junction 20 for Lutterworth and Junction 21 for Leicester shortly before 6.30pm on Wednesday are also asked to contact police.

■ A red Fiat Panda

■ A white Volkswagen SUV

■ A black Ford Transit van

■ A dark-coloured, possibly grey, Vauxhall Corsa (2015 model)

■ A silver Renault Master van or Vauxhall Vivaro, which was travelling behind a Skoda Octavia

■ A white Mitsubishi L200.

A man in his 30s was taken to the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire to be treated for life-threatening injuries. He remains in hospital in a critical condition. A 24-year-old man arrested on suspicion of failing to stop was later released under investigation. Detective Sergeant Paul Hawkins, said: “I ask that these people contact us as soon as they’re able to. I am particularly interested to speak to any drivers who have dashcams installed in their vehicles.”