Police have revealed the reason why a stretch of a major A-road was closed earlier this morning after 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.

At the time a Durham Constabulary 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.”

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Now police have revealed that they were dealing with reports of concern for a man’s welfare when the road was closed.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: “We received reports of concern for a man on the A19 at around 5.45am this morning (September 6).

“National Highways closed the road in both directions while officers assisted.

“The man was taken to hospital and the road reopened at around 6.30am.”

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The road was closed for around half an hour while police helped the man.

If you are in need of support you can contact the following:

- Samaritans is available, day or night, 365 days of the year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

- If U Care Share on 0191 387 5661 or text IUCS to 85258

- SANE on 07984 967 708, Calm on 0800 58 58 58

- Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust crisis line 0800 0516 171.

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