The A1(M) northbound in the Durham area has now been fully reopened after four separate accidents caused major delays for motorists this morning.

At one of the incidents near J63, A167 / A183 (Chester-le-Street), one lane was blocked after a lorry containing milk overturned.

Police, fire service and an ambulance are at the scene.

The Northern Echo:

Emergency services at the scene of an accident on the A1(M) northbound where a lorry has overturned

A Durham Police spokesman said: "We had four collisions in total, each involving three vehicles.

"The first came in at 6.56am, near junction 59, the next was at 7.32am near junction 61.

"Another one came in a minute later near junction 63 – this is the one involving the milk lorry. The final one then came in at 8.48am at junction 61.

“No casualties have been reported and all four incidents were damage only.

"There does not seem to be an obvious reason why there so many in such a short period of time, however they caused considerable delays during the morning rush hour for motorists using the A1(M).”

A spokesman for the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) said: "We received a report of an road traffic collision at 7:32am.

"Three cars and one HGV was involved in the collision just south of Chester-le-Street, north bound on the A1M.

"The HGV, which was carrying 3,000 litres of milk, turned over and some milk spilled onto the road. The vehcile was made safe by the service."

Two appliances were deployed from Durham Fire Station, one from High Handenhold Fire Station and special rescue unit from Bishop Auckland Fire Station was deployed, but then turned back.

The spokesman added: "The police attended for traffic management and one ambulance from the North East Ambulance Service.

"There were no reports of any injuries and nobody was trapped in their vehicles".

The second incident attended by the CDDFRS involved two cars A1(M) north bound between Bowburn and Carville.

The spokesman said: "The report was made by station manager Rob Cherrie who was passing. It was received by control at 8.42am. One appliance from Spennymoor Fire Station attended.

There were no injuries.

A spokesman for the Highways England said a spill kit, made up of granules and absorbent mats, was used to clear up the milk spillage from the carriageway.