POLICE have urged people to avoid the Bicester area due to heavy traffic into Bicester Village on Black Friday.

The force said traffic is very slow on the M40 between junction 10 and 9 southbound, the A34 northbound from Peartree is “stationary” and A41 to Bicester is gridlocked.

Supt James Templer said: “We know it is very busy and we are working with our partners in Oxfordshire, and Bicester Village itself, to try and alleviate the pressure.

“I would recommend that people avoid the area if they can.”

Today is Black Friday, the day when Christmas shopping is expected to peak with retailers offering huge discounts.

The retail outlet is open to midnight tonight.