A large traffic queue has been reported on Holy Island's causeway after a tractor hit a level crossing on the mainland.

Visitors to the North East beauty spot reported vehicles queueing up on the road between the island and the mainland ahead of the tide coming in.

Northumberland County Council put out an alert about the tailback after a tractor hit and damaged the barriers at Beal Level Crossing.(Image: James Gillespie)

An alert posted on X read: "Beal Level Crossing barriers damaged - long tailbacks: There has been an incident at Beal Level crossing near Holy Island where a vehicle has hit the barriers, causing large tailbacks. Police are in attendance but please avoid the area at this time if possible."

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The level crossing is understood to be repaired but there was a backlog of traffic coming off the island. 

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "We're currently in attendance at a report of a barrier fault with Beal Level Crossing by the Holy Island.

"We're at the scene with partners to help direct traffic and would ask motorists to avoid travelling towards the area in the meantime."

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We are working with emergency services to clear a backlog of traffic following an incident earlier where a tractor struck a barrier at a level crossing in Beal.

“Engineers responded to site shortly after and have now repaired the barrier, trains are being cautioned through the area while emergency services work to clear the traffic.”