Dramatic moment brave cop blocks car travelling the WRONG WAY down M1

This terrifying footage captures the moment a brave police officer risked his safety to stop a car travelling the wrong way down the M1 in South Yorkshire.
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The officer has been hailed for taking the bold split-second decision to put his vehicle in the way of the oncoming car and bring it to a halt in dramatic fashion last night, Monday, January 18, to protect other motorists.

Amazingly no one was injured in the head-on collision, which happened on the southbound carriageway near junction 38, close to Darton, in Barnsley – near the border with West Yorkshire – shortly before 9.40pm.

Police stop a car travelling the wrong way on the M1 in South YorkshirePolice stop a car travelling the wrong way on the M1 in South Yorkshire
Police stop a car travelling the wrong way on the M1 in South Yorkshire
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Sharing the footage, West Yorkshire Police’s roads policing unit tweeted: “So this happened last night, M1 south at the South Yorks border. Report of a car coming the wrong way on the motorway. Our brave colleague stopped the oncoming traffic to face this and made a split second decision to prevent injuries to those behind him.”

South Yorkshire Police, which was also involved in the operation, thanked motorists for their patience as the drama unfolded.

The force said police had been called to the M1 after numerous reports of a vehicle travelling northbound on the southbound carriageway.

“This isn't a situation we are faced with regularly but one that we must act on immediately to prevent any collisions,” added officers from the force’s operational support unit.

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“After deployment of traffic officers from both West and South Yorkshire and the police helicopter using various tactics, we were unable to stop the vehicle in this delicate and dangerous situation.

“The only way we could bring the vehicle to a safe stop before it drove towards standing traffic was to make tactical contact by specialist trained traffic officers.

“Tactical contact was made and the vehicle came to a stop safely. The vulnerable driver wasn't injured and he was cared for by officers.”

After watching the hair-raising video, people were quick to shower the officers involved with praise.

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One person commented: “Massive respect for putting your life on the line to protect others.”

Another wrote: “Wow. Incredibly brave putting themselves at risk to protect us. Thank you.”

And a third said: “That takes big kahunas to take that sort of action. Well done all involved, and I hope the elderly driver and the officer weren’t injured.”