Paramedics confirm three people taken to hospital following accident on A19 near A183 junction to Sunderland

North East Traffic Live tweeted: “A19 Southbound, full road closure after the A183 due to a serious 2 vehicle collision with emergency services on scene diversions are via the A183 Chester Road.”

Large tailbacks formed on the southbound stretch of the road during the incident.

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) later confirmed its crews had taken three people to hospital.

A NEAS spokesperson said: "We were called to reports of a road traffic collision on the A19/A183 junction shortly after 5pm [on Thursday].

"We dispatched six resources and requested support from Great North Air Ambulance, and three patients have been transported by road to Sunderland Royal Hospital."

Police have confirmed the road reopened from about 7pm.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 5pm yesterday (Thursday, December 29), we received a report of a collision on the A19.

“Three people were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life threatening.

“A road closure was temporarily put in place before re-opening fully after 7pm.”