AROUND 40 cows were in a cattle wagon which overturned on a junction of the A1 near Darlington on Friday evening.

Police were called to the incident on the junction 56 roundabout, near the village of Barton - between Scotch Corner and Darlington - at around 5.15pm.

Unfortunately, some of the cattle were badly injured and some died.

A local vet was called and some of the injured animals were put down to prevent them suffering further.

No other vehicles are believed to be involved and the lorry driver was not injured.

Police attended the incident with firefighters and the RSPCA. Several local farmers also helped at the scene.

The roundabout was closed and traffic was being diverted while officers dealt with the incident.

Highways England said that both north and southbound slip roads were closed and advised drivers to use junction 55 at Scotch Corner instead.