The A42 near Ashby has been closed on the southbound carriageway between Junctions 12, for Packington, and 11, Appleby Magna.

National Highways East Midlands says that this is due to 'clear up works following a collision which resulted in a large spillage of offal'.

The incident happened at around 6pm today (Tuesday) - and the route was still closed at around 9pm.

National Highways East Midlands reported "The A42 in Leicestershire is closed southbound between J12 (Packington) and J11 M42/A444 near (Appleby Magna) due to a collision which has resulted in a spillage of offal from a Heavy Goods Vehicle.

"National Highways Traffic Officers and Service Providers are on the scene to assist with traffic management.

"Further specialist resources are also now on the scene to assist with carriageway clear-up works."

National Highways says diverted traffic is advised to follow the hollow circle diversion symbol.

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 approx.0.5 mile to the B5006/B4116 junction.
• Then turn left (south) on to the B4116 for approx.1 mile to the Leicester Road/Swepstone Road junction.
• Turn left on tot Leicester Road and immediately right back on to the B4116 Gallows Lane South (staggered junction).
• Continue southbound along the B4116 for approx.4.5 miles to the B4116/A444 mini roundabout junction at Twycross.
• At the mini roundabout turn right on to the A444 and continue northbound for approx. 3.5 miles passing through Appley Parva to the A42 junction 11. At the junction take the first exit off the roundabout and joining the M42.