FIVE teenagers from Harrow and Barnet have been arrested in connection with a blaze which closed the M1.

The fire broke out underneath the motorway at Apex Metal Recycling, Ellesmere Avenue, in Mill Hill on Friday April 15, at around 4am.

The M1 was subsequently closed between junctions one and four causing extensive traffic disruption and severe damage was caused to the bridge.

The incident has been linked to two fires in Moat Mount Open Space, Mill Hill, one of which occurred between April 14 and 15 and the other between April 15 and 16.

Officers from Barnet Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said it is investigating the “suspicious fires” and made early morning arrests across Harrow and Barnet today.

Five people aged between 14 and 17 were arrested and are in custody at a North London police station.

Detective Chief Inspector Roycroft of Barnet CID said: "Although we are pursuing a number of active leads into these fires we would still ask that anyone who has any information about these crimes contact Barnet police.

"Your information could be invaluable to the investigation and bringing those responsible to justice".

Anyone with information is asked to call Barnet police on 0300 123 1212 or contact CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.