Queues are building on a major UK motorway after a dog was spotted running on the motorway, sparking traffic and travel chaos throughout the region. Pictures from live traffic cameras showed long queues on one of the UK's busiest motorways at the time of the incident shortly after 11am on April 9.

A post on the National Highways website reads: "The M1 in South Yorkshire is closed southbound between J31 and J30 near (Worksop) due to a loose dog on and near the motorway. South Yorkshire Police trained dog handlers are trying to contain and remove the dog from the motorway."

According to National Highways, a diversion route is now in place, with motorists being advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol on road signs for vehicles under 14'3. The diversion route requires road users to exit the M1 at junction 31 off the slip tod, before heading long the A57, A60, A619 and A616 before eventually rejoining the M1 south.

National Highways Yorkshire wrote on X: "#M1 southbound between J31 #Worksop and J30 #Sheffield #SouthYorkshire ROAD CLOSED Due to a dog that is loose and running around the road. Officers are on scene trying to contain and remove the dog from the road."

The incident was cleared shortly afterwards, with all lanes reopening at around 11.30am on Wednesday morning.