Two men were taken to hospital and the A1(M) shut for more than two hours this morning (Monday) following a two-vehicle crash.

Emergency services were called at about 6.30am after a collision involving a van and a car between junction 6-4.

The road was shut from junction 7 for Stevenage but has now reopened, although traffic remains heavy in both directions.

Ambulance spokesman Gary Sanderson said: “Two patients have been taken to the Lister Hospital in Stevenage for further care after treatment and stabilisation by paramedics and a doctor.”

“We are asking the public to avoid the area as the roads are completely congested.”

Traffic has been heavy across the town as a result, while another crash involving a mini and a lorry on the A505 near Offley is also causing delays.

The crash happened at 8am when the mini collided with the side of the lorry. Fire crews had to remove the roof of the car to allow the ambulance service to attend to the driver. Lane one of two was closed while the care was recovered.