Eight people have been confirmed dead after a crash on a busy motorway involving two lorries and a minibus.

Emergency services were called to reports of a three vehicle collision on the southbound carriageway of the M1, near Newport Pagnell, between junctions 15 and 14 shortly before 3.15am.

The crash involved a minibus and two lorries which were travelling in the same direction.

Thames Valley Police said that eight people have died and four people, including one child, have been taken to hospital.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. They are both currently in custody.

A 31-year-old man from Worcestershire has been arrested on suspicion of one count of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level above limit.

A 53-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent was also arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Chief Inspector Henry Parsons, from the joint operations unit for roads policing, said: “Emergency services are continuing to work at the scene and road closures remain in place.

“We are aware there are a number of large-scale events taking place this weekend and this closure is likely to have a significant impact on traffic disruption, so please allow extra time for your journeys.

“Our thoughts are very much with the families of those involved in this morning’s collision and we are currently working to locate and inform their next of kins.

“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision and has not yet spoken to officers to please contact us.

“Anyone who has any information which could assist the investigation should call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police inquiry centre on 101 quoting URN 214 of 26/8.”

The motorway is closed southbound between junctions 14 and 15, and motorists are being advised to avoid the area.