THREE people have been injured in a crash involving at least 12 cars in County Durham today.

Emergency services were called to the A19 near Dalton Park just before 10am.

An air ambulance is in attendance alongside at least five fire engines and multiple police cars.

The road was shut in both directions but one lane of the northbound carriageway has now reopened.

It has caused long queues in the area and diversions are in place.

A statement from Durham Constabulary added: “There is currently no estimated time for the road to be (fully) reopened, and it is advised that alternative routes are used.

A spokeswoman for the North East Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 9.14am to reports of a road traffic collision on the A19 southbound.

“We dispatched six resources and requested an air ambulance.

“We treated and discharged one patient at the scene and three patients are being taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital.”

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