POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a major crash on the M1 motorway last night.

It happened between junctions 39 and 40 at around 9.10pm.

"A black Skoda Fabia which was driving south in the northbound carriageway was in collision with a blue BMW 320 which was driving north," said a West Yorkshire Police spokesperson.

"The Skoda had earlier failed to stop for police and went on to enter the northbound M1 in the opposite direction at junction 40.

"The three occupants of the Skoda have all suffered serious or life-threatening injuries as a result of the collision. The driver of the BMW also suffered serious injuries. 

"A referral has been made to the IOPC. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or the circumstance leading up to it, or who may have dashcam footage is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police on 101, or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat, quoting reference 13220207510."