Injured cows cause M1 chaos

Thousands of drivers were trapped in long tailbacks on the M1 today after a trailer full of cows overturned.

Police initially closed one lane but were then forced to shut the entire northbound carriageway as the cattle - many of them injured - wandered across all three lanes near Nottingham.

A woman in a four-wheel drive was trapped in her overturned vehicle as police, fire crews and an ambulance were called, AA Roadwatch said. Police were at the scene within minutes of the accident at 9.40am. The RSPCA was informed and a vet was requested to help treat the injured cows. Police also had to summon help to round up and remove the strays.