Sports fans warned of road delays

Fans heading to football and rugby finals at Wembley and Twickenham have been advised to use alternative routes because of lengthy tailbacks after a motorway crash.

The Highways Agency urged supporters travelling to the all-Yorkshire League One play-off final and Rugby Union's Aviva Premiership final to avoid the accident scene on the M1 in Bedfordshire.

Motorists heading south on the M1 should follow diversions set up from junction 15a onto the A43 and M40, an agency spokesman said.

Bedfordshire Police said three people were taken to hospital after a car collided with a coach near junction 10 of the M1, close to Luton.

Although one lane of the southbound carriageway remained open following the crash, motorists were reportedly delayed by up to two hours.

Fans heading to the play-off final between Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town, and Leicester Tigers' clash with Harlequins at Twickenham were among those caught in the hold-ups.

A police spokesman said a passenger in the Mercedes car involved in the accident was taken to hospital in London with serious injuries. The driver of the Mercedes and another passenger were taken to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital for treatment.

No one travelling on the coach was injured.