A CRASH involving a lorry near Boroughbridge caused huge tailbacks on the A1 southbound today.

Emergency services rushed to the scene of the crash which forced the closure of  two lanes of the southbound carriageway.

Read more: Lorry driver suffered 'medical episode' at the wheel before A1 crash

The crash happened shortly before 9am this morning and the AA warns motorists can still expect severe delays on A1(M) Southbound between J51 A684 Leeming Bar / Bedale and J48 at the  A6055 Boroughbridge.

The Yorkshire Ambulance Service confirmed that a lorry driver had suffered a 'medical episode' before the crash.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Police were called to reports of a single vehicle Road Traffic Collision on the A1(m) at 08.53am this morning.

"The collision has occurred just before J48 (Boroughbridge) on the southbound carriageway.

"The A1(m) currently remains closed southbound between J49 and J48.

"The northbound carriageway between J48 and J49 was also closed for a time to allow the Air Ambulance to land, this section has now re-opened.

"There are long delays in the area and motorists are advised to find an alternative route."

The A1 southbound between junctions 49 and 48 has now fully reopened.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "There is a lot of heavy traffic to clear so please do still avoid the area if possible.

"Thank you for your patience whilst we dealt with this incident."

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