A section of a major road has been closed in both directions following a horror crash involving at least four police vehicles.
The multi-vehicle crash happened on the northbound carriageway of the A1 near Denton, Newcastle shortly before 2.30am on Wednesday.
Shocking pictures of the aftermath show four damaged police cars on the scene. It is unclear whether a police van on the scene was also involved.
One police car has been left without a roof and three of its doors while others have smashed windows and parts scattered across all three lanes.
Two black cars were also involved in the crash with one of the mangled motors turned completely on its side.
A section of a major motorway has been closed in both directions following a horror crash involving at least four police vehicles
The multi-vehicle crash happened on the northbound carriageway of the A1 motorway near Denton, Newcastle shortly before 2.30am on Wednesday
Shocking pictures of the aftermath show four damaged police cars on the scene
It is unclear whether a police van on the scene was also involved
Two black cars were also involved in the crash with one of the mangled motors turned completely on its side
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: ‘Shortly before 2:30am today (Wednesday) we received a report of a multi-vehicle collision on the A1 northbound near the Derwent Haugh Road junction, Gateshead.
‘Emergency services are currently in attendance.
‘A section of the road is closed in both directions – there are diversions in place from the Derwent Haugh Road junction northbound, and the A69 roundabout southbound.
‘Motorists should use alternative routes where possible.’
A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service post on X (formerly Twitter) said: ‘We are currently dealing with an Incident on the A1. The road will be closed in both directions between Scotswood Road and A69 Denton for at least the next 5 hours.’