Five-vehicle crash involving police cars shuts A1 in Newcastle

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8kknn3z3eo

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The crash happened just before 02:30 BST at junction 75 in Denton

A section of the A1 has been closed in both directions following a five-vehicle collision which involved police cars.

The collision happened just before 02:30 BST on the northbound carriageway near junction 75 and the Denton Burn roundabout, Newcastle.

North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) said five people had been taken to hospital.

Pictures from the scene show damaged police vehicles and a car seemingly on its side.

The road between junction 73 and 75 is expected to remain shut until the afternoon while a police investigation is carried out, National Highways said, and diversions were in place.

At the scene, BBC Look North reporter Mark Denten said an "extensively damaged" black 4x4 was on its side and debris could seen scattered across the road.

Four police cars could also be seen at the scene, he said, with the one that was a few metres down the road appearing to be the most severely damaged.

Drivers have been advised to find alternative routes if possible.

NEAS said it had sent five crews, a specialist paramedic, a duty officer and two crews from its Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).

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