Four people have been rushed to hospital after a crash involving two vehicles on the A69.

The busy road is closed in both directions after the serious collision near Haydon bridge.

Emergency services were called just before 6.30pm and are currently at the scene.

There are long tailbacks as a result of the accident with traffic unable to be diverted through the village due to the closure of the road bridge.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area, if possible.

A spokesman for North East Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 6.27pm to reports of a two-vehicle road traffic collision at the Haydon Bridge bypass.

"We sent 6 resources at the scene and planned to take four patients to the hospital."  

The road is closed between the A686 and the B6319.

A spokesman from Highways England said: " Emergency services, including Northumbria Police, are in attendance, and the carriageway is expected to remain closed for some time to allow for police investigations, recovery and clear-up works."