Motorists trapped as suspicious object shuts UK highway

LONDON – Dozens of cars have been stuck for hours on one of Britain’s main highways after it was closed due to a “suspicious object.”

Police say the M1 motorway is shut in both directions on a stretch near Milton Keynes, about 50 miles (80 kilometres) north of London.

Thames Valley Police say the object was found under a bridge at around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday. The highway is closed in both directions for a stretch of about 10 miles (16 kilometres).

Photographs shared on social media show people playing frisbee and kicking a soccer ball on the empty road. Others show an army bomb-disposal unit arriving on the scene.

Highways England says it is “working as quickly and safely as we are able” to release vehicles from the closed-off area.