THE A1 has fully reopened between J47 Allerton Park and J48 Boroughbridge following a serious accident involving a tanker, a flatbed truck and a motorbike.

Police say the motorcyclist has been taken to hospital by air ambulance.

The driver of one of the lorries was freed from the wreckage by firefighters.

Their injuries are not thought to be serious.

It was initially thought the tanker had leaked ethanol and both carriageways were closed.

However, firefighters found that the tank had remained intact.

Speaking at the scene, Sgt Paul Cording, from North Yorkshire Police road policing group, warned motorists who took video and photographs while driving on the opposing carriageway that they would be prosecuted.

He said: "The amount of people driving past photographing and videoing the scene - just don't do it.

"My colleagues have been taking registration numbers which are on the log and they will be getting Notices of Intended Prosecution through the post - it's ridiculous." 

Five fire crews from Knaresborough, Harrogate, Ripon, Boroughbridge and Tadcaster attended the scene.

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police said: "Emergency services are currently at the scene of a serious collision on the A1 northbound near to junction 48.

"The incident happened shortly after midday and involved a motorcycle and a HGV.

"A full closure is in place on the A1 between junction 47 and junction 48 and drivers are being urged to avoid the area."

The Highways Agency later added that the southbound carriageway had reopened, adding at about 1.30pm that they were releasing trapped northbound traffic and recovery was on its way to remove the lorry.

"Thanks for your continued patience," a spokesman added.