Black Lives Matter protest closes M6 motorway

Black Lives Matter protesters have taken their campaign to the M6 motorway in Coventry, leading police to close the route.

Around a hundred people gathered at the Exhall interchange from around 6pm, placing traffic cones and blocking the southbound carriageway near Junction 3 this evening (7th June).

It meant a complete blockage of the lanes to Junction 2.

Those taking part in the march were seen holding placards and chanting'Black Lives Matter' as they walked down the motorway lanes.

One motorist described being stuck in the traffic backlog for more than a hour as the march took place. It's in solidarity with other Black Lives Matter campaigns held over over the weekend in the Midlands, following the death of George Floyd in America.

The video below, from Chris McNamara, shows some of the protest on the M6.

A police helicopter was circling the area earlier and dog handlers were in attendance.

Motorists were urged to avoid the area near Junction 3 and find alternativeroutes.

The OPU Warwickshire Twitter feed reported that all protesters from the M6 have now headed into Coventry at junction 2 and are under the control and direction of West Midlands Police.

Read more:

Hundreds turn out for Black Lives Matter protest across the Midlands