A stretch of a major North East A road was closed earlier this morning after a police incident in County Durham.

The incident happened around 6am this morning on the A19, between the Wingate turn off and the junction for the A1086.

Police closed the road and advised drivers use alternative routes.

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A Durham Police statement said: “Police are currently dealing with an ongoing incident on the A19 at the junction for Peterlee.

"The A19 itself will be closed in both directions from the junction with Wingate to the junction with the A1086. Motorists are advised to find an alternative route.”

The Northern Echo: A map showing where the incident occurred. Picture: AAA map showing where the incident occurred. Picture: AA

The road was closed for around half an hour causing mile-long tailbacks while police responded to the incident.

It is not currently known exactly what caused the road to be closed.

The Northern Echo has approached Durham Police for a comment.

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