An HGV overturned on the A42 near Ashby this morning (Thursday) - causing a tailback which was four miles long at one point.

Emergency services were at the scene and the section between Junctions 13 and 14 was closed - but was re-opened at around 1pm.

National Highways East Midlands reported the incident at around 9am and were warning drivers heading north to find an alternative route.

National Highways has posted: "An HGV has left the carriageway and come to rest partially on the embankment.

"The trailer has come to rest on its side and is protruding in to lane one.

"Emergency services are in attendance."

This was the scene on the A42 this morning. Photo: National Highways

It is saying the lorry is being dealt with after is came off the carriageway - and traffic is not expected to return to normal until the early afternoon.

The incident happened between junctions 13 and 14 of the A42.

Delays of an hour to journey times have been reported so far.

National Highways has posted: "The A42 northbound between J13 (Ashby-de-la-Zouch) and J14 (Tonge) is closed after a HGV left the carriageway and came to rest on the embankment. 

Photo: National Highways

"There are delays of one hour above usual journey times and two miles of congestion approaching the incident."

But, National Highways has now posted: "Update: The A42 is now OPEN northbound between J13 (Ashby-de-la-Zouch) and the M1 J23A following an earlier collision.

"There are slight residual delays in the area."

Coalville Fire Station later posted a photo of the overturned HGV and warned drivers to be careful in the current icy conditions.

The crew's message said: "Driving conditions have changed over the last couple of days. Please take care when on the roads!

"We attended this incident this morning on the A42 and luckily there was no serious injuries!"