AN overturned horse box brought traffic to a standstill on the A1(M) in the North-East yesterday.

The trailer, containing two horses, was being towed by a Land Rover Discovery to the Northumberland County Show, at Corbridge.

It overturned on the northbound carriageway of the A1(M), on the downward stretch from the Angel of the North travelling towards the Coal House roundabout, at Team Valley, Gateshead.

No other vehicle was involved in the accident, which blocked the carriageway.

Police closed the road and put diversions in place while firefighters cut the two horses free from the damaged box.

Neither of the animals, or the driver or passenger of the Land Rover were injured in the accident, which happened at about 6.45am.

The northbound section of the road re-opened following the clear-up operation, at about 8.20am.