Specialist police officers are at the scene of a serious collision that happened on Friday (January 27) morning - as the emergency services continue to investigate the crash. 

Police and paramedics were called to the A167 near Aycliffe services at around 6am following reports of a serious incident on the road. 

Traffic travelling on the A-road was blocked from going down the A167 and on to the A1(M) - while some drivers were stuck in 45-minute tailbacks. 

Read more: LIVE: A167 at Newton Aycliffe to be closed 'for some time' due to crash

At this time, few details are known about the collision - but Durham Police have put out a statement that highlights that the road will be closed 'for some time'. 

A spokesperson for the police force said: "We are currently dealing with a collision on the A167 between J59 of the A1(M) at Darlington and the roundabout with St Andrew’s Way, in Newton Aycliffe.

"The road is closed in both directions and likely to be so for some time. There is also no access to the services.

"Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find alternative routes.

"Thank you for your cooperation and patience."

On Friday, at around 10.30am, specialist police officers could be seen investigating, while a police cordon was in place.