Motorists are being warned of road closures along a major motorway as police officers look to contain a loose dog.

The M1 southbound is closed between Junction 31 Worksop and Junction 30 Sheffield in South Yorkshire.

National Highways: Yorkshire reported that the road has been closed because a dog is "loose and running around" the road.

South Yorkshire Police are on the scene, trying to contain and remove the dog from the road to ensure traffic can continue to move.

A loose dog has caused the southbound carriageway to close

Congestion maps show a large stretch of the M1 closed, with surrounding areas showing very slow or stationary vehicle traffic.

National Highways traffic maps estimate that the event is expected to clear between 1.30pm and 1.45pm later this afternoon.

Normal traffic conditions are expected to return at the same time, with current delays of 30 minutes.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson told The Star: "The M1 southbound between J31 Worksop and J30 Sheffield is currently closed.

"At 9.22am today (April 9, 2025) we received reports of a dog on the southbound carriageway.

"Officers are currently at the scene attempting to bring the dog to safety."

Posting on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, National Highways: Yorkshire provided an update saying the road was now open.

It added: "Closure of the motorway for the dog stood down and traffic has been released. All lanes now open.

"It'll take time for delays to clear as traffic was held for an extended duration."

Traffic maps show the southbound road of the M1 closed