Three people have been taken to hospital and six in total have been injured after an incident involving a van in a North East industrial estate.

A heavy emergency service presence was spotted at a Billingham industrial estate this afternoon after a collision involving a van took place just after 1pm today.

The collision took place on the intersection of Cowpen Lane and Bentley Avenue where a police cordon has been organised, blocking motorists and pedestrians from the area.

Read more: Billingham incident LIVE: Three hospitalised after collision

The Northern Echo:

Following the incident, the North East Ambulance Service has confirmed that three people have been taken to hospital.

An eyewitness who was at the scene said: “People were trapped under the van and neighbouring businesses came out to help lift the van with a forklift truck before any emergency services attended.”

A full statement from the North East Ambulance Service reads: "We received a call at 1.09pm this afternoon (Friday 14 July) to reports of a road traffic incident on Cowpen Lane, Billingham.

“We dispatched three ambulance crews, one specialist paramedic and one clinical team leader, and requested support from our colleagues at the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) who attended via air.

“Three patients in total were transported to hospital via road for further treatment; two were taken to the James Cook University Hospital, and another was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees." 

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Cleveland Police have confirmed they also attended the scene, as they urge motorists to take another route.

“Police were called to a collision on Bentley Avenue, Cowpen Lane Industrial Estate in Billingham around 1:10pm today, Friday 14th July.

“Bentley Avenue and Cowpen Lane are currently closed. Please use alternative routes and avoid the area.

“Emergency services remain on scene.”

A spokesperson for Cleveland Fire said: “We attended a two-vehicle collision on Cowpen Lane, Billingham at 1310. Three engines attended.”