THE southbound carriageway of Newcastle's Central Motorway will be closed for four hours following a serious crash this morning.

Three people were hurt, two seriously, when a car crashed on the southbound carriageway of the A167, near the junction with Claremont Road, at 11.05am.

The closure is between Cow Hill and A193 New Bridge Street with diversions via B1318 Great North Road from the A189 Grandstand Road.

A police spokesman said: "We are currently at the scene of a serious collision on the Central Motorway in Newcastle.

"At around 11.05am this morning we received a report of a one vehicle collision on the southbound carriageway near to the junction with Claremont Road.

"Emergency services attended and three occupants of the vehicle were taken to hospital by paramedics.

"The two passengers in the car are described as being in a serious condition. The driver is believed to have suffered minor injuries.

"Officers will remain at the scene throughout the afternoon and it is expected that a full road closure of the southbound carriageway will be in place for around four hours.

"Inquiries into the incident are ongoing but police are appealing for anyone who saw what happened to get in touch."

Anyone who witnessed the crash should contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting log 323 06/02/18.