Drivers are being warned of long delays on a major road in the north east of England this afternoon following a serious accident.

The A66 is closed in both directions between the A67 (Bowers) and the A1M at Junction 53 (Scotch Corner).

Taking to social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, National Highways: North-East has issued a warning to drivers.

It stated that a serious collision had forced the closure of the A66, which was first reported earlier today.

National Highways also announced: "All emergency services are attending the incident."

It added: "If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."

Traffic maps from National Highways show long delays, with normal conditions not expected to return until around 4pm.

The AA also reports that temporary traffic lights are installed on the A6108 Barracks Bank both ways between Scurragh Lane and A6055 Great North Road.

Police can be seen at the closure of the A66 this afternoon

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed that crews were still on the scene.

They added: "We received a call at 10.33am on Tuesday, September 30, to reports of a road traffic incident on the A66 in Bowes, Barnard Castle.

"We dispatched two ambulance crews, a clinical team leader, a duty officer, a rapid response paramedic, two crews from our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), and requested support from our colleagues at the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) who attended by air."

A number of diversion routes have been established for motorists travelling near the A66 while the incident remains active. However, some of the routes are not suitable for heavy goods vehicles.

Traffic maps show long delays along the A66 following a serious incident

The North East Ambulance Service confirmed that crews were still at the scene