A STRETCH of the A1(M) is closed following a serious crash in the early hours of this morning.
Two vehicles were involved in the collision near Leeming Bar, North Yorkshire, at about 2.20am this morning.
The road remains closed as accident investigators work at the scene.
North Yorkshire Police said emergency services were called to the scene of a serious crash on the southbound carriageway between Junction 51, with the A684 for Leeming Bar and Bedale, and Junction 50, with the A61 to Ripon.
Read more: Listed status refused for Eden Arms in County Durham which faces demolition
They have not confirmed any further details of the incident but officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone who was travelling in the area to get in touch.
Reports from the AA suggest one of the cars overturned and came to rest in a field.
A spokesperson for National Highways Yorkshire said: "Please be aware that this A1M southbound J51 to J50 incident is causing delays of 40 mins above normal journey time for this time of day.
"There is approximately four miles of congestion on approach.
"Please allow plenty of extra time for your journey if you are travelling in the area."
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "Anyone who witnessed the collision or who was driving along that stretch of road at around the time of the collision is asked to contact police.
"Dial 101, press 1 and pass information to the Force Control Room, quoting reference number NYP-18102021-0020."
⚠️ The S/B of the A1 between Junction 51 & 50 is currently closed.⚠️
— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) October 18, 2021
‼️ We are at the scene of a serious collision which happened at 2.20am just passed Leeming Bar.
‼️ The road is expected to remain closed for several hours.
☎️ Any witnesses are asked to call us on 101. pic.twitter.com/srT2ZGgq4U
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated North Yorkshire Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here