M5 delays as loose horse causes traffic chaos leaving drivers 'sat for over an hour'

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


M5 motorists have been warned of severe delays due to a loose horse on the carriageway. The loose animal got onto the motorway just after 12:30pm, causing chaos for drivers.

As a result, the M5 northbound remains closed with congestion tailing back to the A4440. Traffic is currently at a standstill as crews from West Mercia Police and National Highways deal with clearing the disruption.

Traffic cameras are showing long tailbacks as the northbound side of the M5 remains closed. Motorists face delays of 60 minutes this afternoon as National Highways warn to allow plenty of time for journeys.

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Live traffic system INRIX reported at 1:16pm: "M5 Northbound closed, severe delays due to animals on road from J7 A44 (Worcester / Evesham) to J6 A4538 Pershore Lane (Worcester)."

Disruption is severe as the northbound side of the motorway is sealed off so emergency service workers can secure the animal. Traffic England is predicting normal traffic conditions to resume at 2:30pm.

National Highways West Midlands wrote on X: "The M5 in Worcestershire is closed northbound between J7 and J6 near Worcester due to a loose horse on the carriageway. Traffic officers and West Mercia Police are working at the scene. Please allow extra time for your journey, due to 60 minute delays."

One frustrated motorist replied to National Highways on X, formerly Twitter, saying they had been stuck for more than an hour. Posting just after 1pm, @Kenyay wrote: "Any update? Been Sat here for over an hour!"

Another driver added: "Crazy been sat here for 1 hour. Get a move on will you! One horse!"