Drivers are being warned of major delays along a busy A road in the north east of England following a five-vehicle collision, which has seen a number of police vehicles badly damaged.
The A1 in Tyne and Wear is closed in both directions between J73 (Swalwell) and J75 (Denton) due to the serious accident. Emergency services, including Northumbria Police, are in attendance at the scene, with National Highways Traffic Officers assisting with traffic management.
A statement from Northumbria Police confirmed that seven police officers were taken to hospital after being injured in a collision during a pursuit early this morning. It also confirmed that two people have been arrested over the incident which has shut the A1 on Tyneside.
The closure is expected to remain closed in both directions into the afternoon following the accident, with current delays of around an hour.
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The aftermath of the five-vehicle crash shows car parts strewn across the A1
PA
The multi-vehicle collision occurred at around 2.30am this morning and resulted in "serious injuries", National Highways stated.
Images from the scene show several smashed cars, including one police car which appears to be completely crushed, and another vehicle on its side against the central reservation.
In total, four police cars are believed to be badly damaged in the accident, with investigations continuing.
A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We received a call at 2.29am on Wednesday, April 9, to reports of a road traffic collision on the A1 northbound near Denton, Newcastle.
The incident took place in the early hours of the morning
PA
"We dispatched five ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a duty officer, two crews from our hazardous area response team (Hart) and requested support from our colleagues at the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) who attended by road.
"Five patients were transported to hospital for further treatment."
As a result of the serious incident, Northumbria Police have launched a full investigation. They advise that it will be "protracted".
Posting on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, National Highways: North-East provided an update for motorists in the area.
Seven police officers were taken to hospital following the accident
PA
It stated: "For an ongoing complex, collision investigation following a very serious, multi-vehicle collision earlier this morning. Road expected to remain closed until later this afternoon."
National Highways confirmed that traffic is being diverted via local routes, with motorists advised to allow for extra journey time.
The organisation added that drivers should plan ahead and even re-route or delay their journey following the incident.
Since there is no official diversion route for the section of the A1, local roads in the vicinity are heavily congested.
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Two people have been arrested in connection to the crash
The A19 to the east of Newcastle is suffering from large amounts of traffic, as cars from other areas around the city are using it as an alternative to the A1.
National Highways has urged motorists to keep track of updates on its social media channels and plan their route ahead.
Traffic maps estimate that normal traffic conditions will return at around 2pm, although this will likely depend on the Northumbria Police investigation.
National Highways: North-East has warned that the nearby A194M north at J2 near Felling and Washington is now closed.
It stated that delays of 45 minutes will be seen following a collision, with traffic being diverted off and on via the junction.
