Police have declared a major incident following a serious road traffic collision which has closed the A42 in both directions in Leicestershire. Emergency services are responding to the incident on the A42 between Junction 13 and the M1, with the road currently closed in both directions. National Highways confirmed emergency services are at the scene, with motorists facing delays of more than 40 minutes and around four miles of congestion on the approaches. The closure is causing significant disruption across the area, with traffic building on surrounding routes. A motorist caught in the congestion reported shortly before 4pm that southbound traffic had started moving past vehicles just south of Junction 14, although the wider closure and restrictions remain in place. Police have declared the response a major incident. The exact circumstances of the collision, the number of vehicles involved and the extent of any injuries have not yet been officially confirmed. Emergency services are expected to remain at the scene while the incident is dealt with and investigations are carried out. Motorists are being urged to avoid the A42 and use alternative routes where possible. This is a developing incident and further information will be provided as it becomes available.