Emergency services are currently dealing with a serious car crash that has closed a road on the outskirts of Darlington.

Police were called to the B6279, between Thornton Hall Gardens and Summerhouse, just after 8.40am.

It is understood there was a collision between a Mercedes and a BMW.

Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device with a subscription to The Northern Echo. Click here 

Durham Constabulary has said the road could be closed for some time.

A force spokesperson said: “We are currently dealing with a serious road traffic collision on Staindrop Road, Darlington.

“Drivers are advised to find an alternative route, thank you for your patience.”

North East Ambulance Service said one person has been taken to hospital.

A spokesperson said: "We dispatched two double crewed ambulances, one vehicle from our Hazardous Area Response Team and requested support from Great North Air Ambulance.

"We transported one patient to James Cook Hospital."

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service also attended the scene.

A spokesperson said: “Shortly after 8.40am today (Thursday), we were alerted by the ambulance service to a road traffic collision involving two vehicles near Thornton Hall, Staindrop Road, Darlington.

“Two fire engines, both from Darlington, were deployed to the scene.

“Firefighters left the scene shortly after 9.40am.”