ARREST AS M1 PILE-UP LEAVES MAN IN FIGHT FOR LIFE

POLICE WITNESS PLEA OVER SMASH THAT CLOSED ROAD FOR 12 HOURS

POLICE have appealed for witnesses following a five vehicle pile-up on the M1 which has left a man fighting for his life, writes Adrian Troughton.

The smash, which shut the northbound side of the motorway for 12 hours between Junction 20 for Lutterworth and Junction 21, near Fosse Park, involved four cars and a lorry. A 24-yearold was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop.

The smash took place just before 6.30pm on Wednesday, and the road reopened yesterday.

Police said a number of people were taken to hospital and one, a man in his 30s, continues to be treated for life-threatening injuries.

He remains in hospital in a serious condition.

A MAN has been arrested in connection with a five-vehicle crash on the M1 which has left a man fighting for his life in hospital.

The 24-year-old was detained on suspicion of failing to stop in relation to the pile-up, on the northbound carriageway between Junctions 20 and 21.

He remained in custody as we went to press last night.

The road was reopened yesterday morning following the smash on Wednesday evening.

One of those caught up in the smash is in hospital with life-threatening injuries, while others were taken to hospital with injuries believed to be less serious.

Police have said the incident involved four cars and a lorry.

Detectives from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are continuing to carry out enquiries into the incident.

A police spokesman said: “We were called to a stretch of the M1 motorway between Junction 20, for Lutterworth, and Junction 21 for Leicester shortly before 6.30pm

“A number of vehicles – a BMW 1 Series, a BMW 3 Series, a Skoda Octavia, a Ford Mondeo and a Renault lorry – were involved.

“One man in his 30s was taken to the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire to be treated for lifethreatening injuries.

“He remains in hospital in a serious condition. A number of other people were also taken to hospital as a precaution.

“Both sides of the motorway were closed to allow officers and other emergency services to attend the scene.

“After officers arrived, a 24-year-old man located near the motorway was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop.”

Detective Sergeant Paul Hawkins, from the SCIU, appealed for witnesses.

“Our investigation into this incident has continued through the night and a number of enquiries are still ongoing,” he said.

“I ask that anyone travelling on the motorway and who saw what happened, has a dashcam in their vehicle or saw any of the vehicles prior to the collision occurring, to come forward.

“Any information you have could assist our investigation.”