The A1(M) was closed after a horrific crash involving several vehicles.

Police say casualties are likely following a horror crash involving several vehicles and two lorries on the A1(M) near Durham on Thursday.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: "The incident happened at 6.20pm today on the northbound carriageway at Bowburn.

"It involved several vehicles, including two lorries, one of which caught fire as a result of the collision. 

"Sadly, there appear to have been fatalities.

"The road has been closed in both directions between Bradbury and Carrville. It is expected to remain closed for several hours while emergency services, including police, fire and the ambulance service, work at the scene.

"We would ask that people avoid the area and plan ahead if they are travelling this evening." 

Officers would like to speak to anyone who has any dashcam footage of the incident.

Please contact Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 322 of July 15.

The A1(M) is closed in both directions between Bowburn and Carrville, near Durham, following a crash.

Emergency services are currently on the scene.

Durham Police have asked all motorists to avoid the area and find an alternative route.

A County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Reports of a serious collision on the A1 near Coxhoe came into our control room at 6.20pm tonight.

"Seven crews, along with the incident command unit, senior officers all attended, along with a crew and a Heavy Rescue Unit from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

“On arrival at the scene crews were faced with a multi-vehicle collision across both carriageways and a heavy goods vehicle well alight.

"Firefighters worked for over an hour to ensure the fire was under control as well assisting colleagues from the North East Ambulance Service and The Great North Air Ambulance with casualties.

“Sadly, Durham Constabulary have tonight, confirmed that there appear to be fatalities at the scene.

“We would like to urge anyone with dash cam footage or who witnessed the collision to get in touch with our colleagues at Durham Police on 101.

“The A1 will remain closed in both directions between junctions 60 and 62 for a number of hours, please find an alternative route this evening, thank you.”

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