A Mercedes van's wheel broke off on the M1 and struck a van travelling in the opposite direction.

It happened at around 8pm on Wednesday (November 15) as the white Mercedes Sprinter was travelling north near junction 9 for Harpenden.

The wheel appears to have “broken off and struck a blue Ford Transit van travelling south on the opposite carriageway”, Herts police said.

The force launched an appeal for witnesses yesterday evening.

They wrote: “Officers from the Road Policing Unit are appealing for information and witnesses following an incident on the M1 on Wednesday 15 November.

“At around 8pm a white Mercedes Sprinter van was travelling north, near junction 9, when it appears that one of its wheels has broken off and struck a blue Ford Transit van travelling south on the opposite carriageway. 

“The driver of the Ford Transit was taken to hospital for treatment for minor injuries.

“Officers are appealing for anyone who was driving on the M1 at the time and witnessed the incident, or who may have captured it on dash cam, to get in touch as soon as possible.”

It is unclear if the Mercedes stopped at the scene or if anyone has been arrested. Police have been contacted for clarification. Updates to follow.

Information can be reported via the force’s website or by calling non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 746 of 15 November.