THREE people were taken to hospital following a multi-vehicle crash near Sunderland.

The crash, which involved four vehicles, happened at around 8.40am on Thursday after debris fell from the back of an HGV. 

Lanes one and two of the northbound carriageway had been blocked between the A690 and Hylton Bridge.

Three people were taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital following the crash, which involved a grey VW Scirocco, a black Mercedes C220, a blue Mini One and a green Mini Cooper

It is understood their injuries are non life-threatening. 

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) sent eight appliances to the scene, including three hazardous area response teams, three double crew ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and a senior paramedic.

A spokeswoman for NEAS said: "We were called at 8.37am to reports of a multi vehicle road traffic collision on the A19 northbound between Doxford Park and Penshaw Monument."

A grey VW Scirocco, a black Mercedes C220, a blue Mini One and a green Mini Cooper collided after debris fell from the back of an HGV.