A driver got stuck in a tricky spot on Sunday (May 28) after getting their van caught in a narrow tunnel.

The black Ford van became the latest victim of the tunnel on Parkside in Darlington, which runs under the East Coast Mainline, when it got lodged in place and would not budge.

An eyewitness told the Echo: “The road is a known blackspot under the bridge and cars and vans get stuck under there all the time.

Read more: Mental health nurse visited patient's home while drunk and fell asleep on the job

“This van has been stuck there for about an hour and a half since at least 11.30am and I've seen a few cars do U-turns and go the other way.

The Northern Echo: The van was stuck for at least three hours with drivers turning around to take a different route.The van was stuck for at least three hours with drivers turning around to take a different route. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“I think the driver is currently waiting for the AA.”

The van was finally freed at around 3.15pm

To get more stories direct to your email basket go here 

The tunnel is understood to become narrower towards the Park Lane side, lulling some motorists into a false sense of security.

It’s not the first time a vehicle has got stuck in the underpass.

The Northern Echo: A towing caravan previously fell victim to the narrow passage.A towing caravan previously fell victim to the narrow passage.

In 2019 a caravan got wedged in and neighbours had to come to the driver’s rescue. And a Tesco delivery van previously had to be rescued by police and Network Rail engineers when it fell victim to the passage.

*UPDATE: The van has now been freed and the road is clear*