A "large spillage" of hydraulic fluid has caused delays of more than an hour on the M1 near Milton Keynes.

The delays were first announced by Highways England on Twitter at around 7am this morning, detailing how traffic is covering more than nine miles of the M1.

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A spokesman for Highways England said on Twitter: "On the M1 southbound between J13 and J11a there is currently congestion. 

"This is due to a broken down vehicle and a large spillage of hydraulic fluid closing 3 lanes (of 4).

"Please allow extra time and consider using alternate routes.

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"Delays approaching 90 minutes with slow traffic for approx. 9.3 miles (past J13 #MiltonKeynes #Bedford #A421).

"Also slow traffic on #A5 btwn #Bletchley and #Dunstable as a result of traffic diverting.

"If travelling from the Midlands to London & South East please use M42 and M40."