Southbound traffic on the A1 (M) around Stevenage was brought almost to a standstill at lunchtime today after a four-car smash just past junction 7 that left five people in hospital. Three ambulances and two fast response cars were called to the incident

Southbound traffic on the A1 (M) around Stevenage was brought almost to a standstill at lunchtime today after a four-car smash just past junction 7 that left five people in hospital.

Three ambulances and two fast response cars were called to the incident and two children, one woman and two men were taken to Lister Hospital with minor injuries.

Heavy traffic is reported back to junction 9 southbound while the damaged cars are cleared on to the hard shoulder of the motorway.