The A42 near Ashby has been closed this morning (Wednesday) due to what has been described as a 'serious collision'.

National Highways East Midlands says that the nature of the incident means the road is likely to be closed until around mid-day.

The dual carriageway is closed southbound between Junction 12 for Ashby and Measham, and J11 for Appleby Magna.

All emergency services are in attendance as a result because of the collision which took place just after 5am.

Drivers are being urged to plan ahead and allow extra journey time if travelling this morning.

There are tailbacks approaching the incident, with motorists facing 30-minute delays.

Highways East Midlands reports: "Leicestershire Police are leading a multi-agency response to the incident.

"National Highways resources are in attendance assisting with traffic management. 

"At approximately 05:01 this morning a serious collision occurred on the A42 southbound near Measham resulting in a full carriageway closure from J12.

"Due to the nature of the incident, the carriageway is expected to remain closed until at least mid-day."

Leicestershire Police posted on social media and confirmed: "Please be advised that a road closure is currently in place from junction 12 of the A42 southbound due to a police incident. Please find alternative routes of travel."

A diversion route has been put in place as follows:

Road users are advised to follow the hollow black circle diversion symbol on road signs:

• Exit the A42 southbound at J12 and take the first exit (left) off the roundabout onto the B5006 southbound.
• Continue southbound along the B5006 for approximately 0.5km to the B5006/B4116 Junction.
• Turn left (south) onto the B4116 for approximately 1.6km to the Leicester Road/Swepstone Road junction.
• Then turn left onto Leicester Road and immediately right back onto the B4116 Gallows Lane south(Staggered junction).
• Continue southbound along the B4116 for approximately 7.5km to the B4116/A444 mini roundabout junction at Twycross.
• At the mini roundabout turn right onto the A444 and continue northbound for approximately 6km passing through Appleby Parva to the A42 J11.
• At the junction take the first exit off the roundabout and join the M42 southbound.