A possible explosion that closed the A1(M) in North Yorkshire may have taken place within the boundaries of an army barracks.
A six-mile stretch of the busy road has been closed in both directions since an explosion was heard near the army’s largest training centre in the Catterick area at about 3am on Saturday.
North Yorkshire police said the decision to close both slip roads to Catterick was a precautionary measure while enquiries were being carried out. No injuries or damage have been reported.
“The search remains focused on the area outside of the barracks and the area adjacent to the A1, although at this stage, it cannot be ruled out that it has occurred within the boundary of the barracks,” the force said.
“The safety of members of the public, including passing motorists, is our prime concern and therefore all security precautions must be taken to protect members of the public until we find out exactly what has occurred.”
Anyone with information about an incident in the early hours of Saturday that might have caused a noise similar to that of an explosion have been asked to contact police by calling 101.
Other roads in the area were heavily congested as a result of the closure and motorists were advised to avoid the area.
A spokesman for the Highways Agency said the road was expected to remain closed until about 3pm.
Some Newcastle United fans travelling to the 3pm match with West Ham at the east London football team’s ground in Upton Park were expected to be affected by the closure. Newcastle officials had notified their West Ham counterparts.
Catterick Garrison sits on 20,000 acres of land close to Catterick village and the A1, and includes Marne barracks, formerly RAF Catterick. It is the base for Headquarters 4th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters North East.
A spokeswoman for the Highways Agency said the closure affected a six-mile stretch of road between junction 51 at Leeming Bar, past Catterick and Scotch Corner to junction 56 at Barton.
The agency advised northbound traffic to exit at junction 49 and use the A168 and A19. Southbound drivers should use the A19 and rejoin the A1 at junction 49.
