THREE people were taken to hospital following a serious collision on the A1(M) in North Yorkshire on Saturday (April 13).

At around 7.10am, the emergency services were called to reports of a multiple vehicle collision in between junction's 51 and 50, near Leeming Bar.

A red Audi A1 and a silver Hyundai IX35 car had been travelling on the southbound carriageway when they crashed near the junction for Leeming Bar services. 

The driver, a 70-year-old man from Bedale, North Yorkshire and passenger of the Hyundai were taken to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

The 70-year-old reportedly suffered serious injuries, and has remained in a critical condition.

The driver of the Audi, a 21-year-old woman was also taken to the Middlesbrough hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Police said the woman, who is from Midlothian in Scotland, was arrested by police but has been released pending further investigations.

The road had to be closed for several hours and was reopened at around 2pm.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "In particular, officers are keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam footage which may have captured the red Audi between the A1(M) in the area of Newcastle and the scene of the collision at Leeming.

"Any witnesses are asked to contact Traffic Constable Chris Garbutt or Traffic Sergeant Andy Morton at North Yorkshire Police, by calling 101 and quoting reference number 12190066191."