DURHAM Constabulary are appealing for witnesses to a collision on the A1(M) this morning (January 21) that has left a woman in critical condition and a man in his 30s in police custody after a car left the A177 flyover and crash-landed on the major A-road.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 10.35am at J61 Bowburn Interchange following a crash involving a red Vauxhall Astra.

The vehicle, containing two occupants, had been driving on the A177 flyover but lost control, went through a safety barrier and landed on its roof in the central reservation of the A1(M) below.

Read more: LIVE: Crash on A1(M) near Bowburn as car leaves flyover - live updates

A woman in her mid-40s suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary Major Trauma Centre where she remains in a critical condition.

A man in his early 30s has been arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and remains in custody.

No-one else was injured during the incident.

The Northern Echo: The aftermath of the A1(M) crash that saw a car smash through the barriers of the A177 flyover and on to the A-road below. Picture: PA MEDIA.The aftermath of the A1(M) crash that saw a car smash through the barriers of the A177 flyover and on to the A-road below. Picture: PA MEDIA.

Detective Constable Natalie Horner, of Durham Constabulary’s Collision Investigation Unit, said: “We would like to appeal for anyone who witnessed this incident, particularly anyone who has dashcam footage of the crash or the moments leading up to it, to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

“We would also urge anyone who saw this vehicle being driven between 9am and 10.30am today, especially in the Sherburn Village area, to contact us”.

Both the A1(M) and the A177 were closed in both directions while emergency services attended the scene and are likely to remain closed until tomorrow while repairs are carried out to the safety barriers and investigations continue.

Drivers are urged to avoid the area and find an alternative route if possible.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 105 of January 21.

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