A welfare incident on the A1(M) at Darlington and an oil spillage further north in Gateshead caused traffic chaos for motorists this afternoon (Tuesday, November 14).

There were severe tailbacks on the A1(M) near Darlington as police closed off the southbound carriageway for a period to deal with a welfare incident.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: "Police were called at around 3.25pm today following concerns for the welfare of a woman on a bridge over the A1(M) near Darlington. 

"Officers attended and brought the incident to a safe conclusion.

"The woman was taken to hospital where she will receive appropriate care."

Further north there were severe tailbacks caused following a diesel spillage on the Western Bypass.

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One lane had to be closed on from J67 Kingsway South (Coalhouse Roundabout) to J66 A167 Durham Road (Bowes Incline/Angel Of The North), while National Highways cleared up the spillage.

At one stage there were tailbacks three miles long. The spillage has now been cleared, but the AA map shows traffic is still moving slowly.