EMERGENCY services are dealing with a serious road traffic accident.

Police have closed Genesis Way in Consett between McDonald's and Tesco.

It is understood the collision happened at around 11.30am.

Durham Constabulary said no further details are available at this time.

A spokeswoman for North East Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 11.35am to a report of a road traffic collision on Genesis Way in Consett.

“We dispatch four doubled crewed ambulances and requested support from the Great North Air Ambulance.

“Three patients were transported to the University Hospital of north Durham by road.”

Three cars were involved in the collision including a Nissan Micra and a Mercedes.

Chris Williams, from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We mobilised two appliances from Consett Fire Station to a road traffic collision which involved three vehicles just after 11.30am.

“We helped by providing trauma care and made the vehicles safe.

“There was extensive damage to the vehicles involved.”