THE A1-M in County Durham was closed this morning after nine vehicles were involved in a motorway pile up.

No-one was badly hurt but police had to set up a diversion after the smash at around 9.30am on the northbound carriageway at Bowburn, near Durham.

Police worked the Highways Agency staff to make the road safe and it was reopened an hour later.

A police spokesman said: "The carriageway was closed while the area was made safe for drivers.

"Diversions were in place for a short while.

"We do not think anyone was badly hurt but officers are still at the scene talking to people who were involved.

"At this stage the cause of the accident is not know but an investigation will be carried out."

Accidents investigators are urging anyone with information about the crash happened to get in touch.

The number to call is 0845-60-60-365.