Three separate accidents within the space of minutes created traffic chaos for motorists on one of the region's busiest roads yesterday.

Four vehicles were involved in accidents on the A1 near Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, at about 3pm, as drivers struggled to cope with heavy rain and flash flooding near junction 59 on the southbound carriageway.

Traffic was brought to a halt as two cars collided with the central reservation within 15 minutes of each other. Fortunately, no one was injured.

Within ten minutes, a two-car shunt resulted in two people being taken to the University Hospital of North Durham with minor injuries.

Police cautioned drivers of the dangers of water on the roads but reported that all the region's roads were passable with care.