THE A1 motorway has been closed near Sedgefield, County Durham, after a car accident.

Emergency crews were called to reports of a car on fire on the northbound carriageway near junction 60 at around 1.30pm.

A fire spokesperson said it appeared that a car and a HGV collided before the car, a Citreon Saxo, caught fire.

All the occupants were out of the vehicles when they arrived at the scene.

The southbound carriageway was also closed at around 2.30pm to allow the air ambulance to attend.

None of the injured people are thought to be in a serious condition, a police spokeswoman added.

Motorists are advised to use an alternative route and approach with caution as diversions and direction changes are in place.