UPDATE: The stretch of motorway was re-opened on Sunday evening.

Motorists are being advised to avoid the M1 in Leicestershire after it was closed at junction 23 following a serious collision.

And a Leicestershire Police update says the stretch of motorway - from J22 at Coalville to J23 - will be closed until early evening today (Sunday).

A social media update said: 'The M1 NORTHBOUND from J22 to J23 will remain closed until early evening.

Please seek alternative routes.'

The police report that the collision occurred just before 11.20pm last night (Saturday) on the northbound carriageway of the M1 at junction 23 and involved two vehicles, a black Range Rover and a black Audi RS4.

A rear seat passenger in the Range Rover sustained serious injuries and is in a critical condition in hospital.

Two other people in the Range Rover – the driver and front seat passenger – were also injured but their injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

The driver of the Audi was not injured.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving and driving offences, he remains in police custody.

The M1 has been closed in both directions while officers deal with the incident and motorists are advised to take an alternative route, avoiding junction 23.

Diversions are in place and it is likely to remain closed for some time.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or saw either vehicle being driven beforehand is asked to contact the police.

Also, if anyone has video recording equipment installed in their vehicles the police ask that they check their footage and contact them if they captured any part of the incident.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101, quoting incident 743 of 26 September.