Updated: A421 expected to be closed for most of the evening following serious road accident

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Picture by Joe Howard.

The road has been closed in both directions and police are urging motorists to avoid the area.

The multi-vehicle collision involving lorries and cars happened just after 2pm today close to the junction for the A6.

Police have closed the road eastbound from the Marsh Leys junction to the junction with the A600.

The bypass has been closed on both sides to allow the air ambulance to land. Picture by Joe Howard.

The westbound carriageway has also been temporarily closed from the A600 junction to the A6 turn-off to allow the air ambulance to land.

Any witnesses to the collision are asked to contact Beds Police on 101 with incident number 196.

A spokesman for Highways England said: “Highways England is working hard with Bedfordshire Police and other emergency services to re-open the A421 as soon as safely possible and is advising drivers to consider alternative routes or to delay their journey if possible. The road is likely to remain closed for most of the evening.

“Traffic is being diverted via A6 towards Bedford, onto the A510 and the A603 heading back towards the A421.”