A WOMAN was left in a critical condition and two others were taken to hospital after a multi-vehicle crash between Darlington and Northallerton.

A 34-year-old man has since been arrested after the crash on the A167 at Great Smeaton in North Yorkshire on Thursday afternoon.

At around 3.45pm, a red Toyota Auris, red BMW X4, white Peugeot Expert van and Valtra tractor towing a grain trailer, became involved in the incident.

Shortly after, the Great North Air Ambulance and Yorkshire Air Ambulance, North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, land ambulance service and police were at the scene.

The Northern Echo: The Yorkshire Air Ambulance were at the scene of the A167 smashThe Yorkshire Air Ambulance were at the scene of the A167 smash

A woman occupant had to be cut free from a vehicle, and the road remained closed in both directions for several hours.

The woman had to be airlifted to hospital, while two men suffering minor injures had to be taken to hospital by land ambulance.

Today, police confirmed a 34-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of drug driving, but was later released under investigation.

A dashcam footage appeal has since been launched by North Yorkshire Police, a force spokeswoman said: "Witnesses to the collision, along with anyone who captured dashcam footage are asked to contact 101.

"Select option 2 and ask to speak to Traffic Constable 428 Emma Bainbridge or email Emma.Bainbridge@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk –quote reference number NYP-16012020-0297."