The A1(M) was closed in both directions this afternoon (February 23) after a 'medical episode' on the stretch of road, which saw the air ambulance attend the scene. 

Emergency services were called to the A-road near Darlington at about 1pm, following reports of an 'incident'.

Police, ambulance and air ambulance all attended the scene - with the A1(M) closed both ways for about an hour and a half.

At one point, the queues of traffic measured three miles long - with traffic diverted around junction 57 (Blackwell Spur) and junction 58 (Burtree Interchange). 

Following the incident, the road has since reopened - and Durham Police has confirmed details of the incident. 

A spokesperson for the police force said: "The road was closed to allow a member of the public to receive emergency assistance at the roadside following a medical episode."

The Great North Air Ambulance (GNAAS) and North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) have also issued statements about their attendance at the scene.

Recommended:

Grab our digital subscription for £5 for 5 months and stay connected with local happenings. Click here

A spokesperson for the air ambulance said: "We were called to a medical incident on the A1 between Spennymoor and Darlington today (23 February) at 12:44pm.

"We dispatched two ambulance crews, one clinical team leader and were supported by our colleagues at The Great North Air Ambulance Service."

An NEAS spokesperson said: "We were called to a medical incident on the A1 between Spennymoor and Darlington today (23 February) at 12.44pm. We dispatched one ambulance crew and are currently still on scene."