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A section of the A1(M) northbound has reopened after several hours following a hydrogen leak on a broken down tanker.

The motorway was closed between Durham and Washington (junction 62 to 64) as emergency services dealt with the transporter vehicle which was carrying nine hydrogen gas cylinders.

Police were called at 11.20pm on Wednesday, February 19, and officers and fire crews remained at the scene on Thursday, February 20.

Highways England said that one of the gas cylinders had a crack and was leaking, meaning that the only way to safely allow it to disperse was to let it vent.

Firefighters carried out regular analytical risk assessments and specialist engineer also attended the incident to make the cylinders safe.

The road was shut for several hours and drivers were urged to avoid the area and use an alternative route.

The fire service and Highways England have now confirmed that the road has reopened, with traffic said to be flowing freely.

A spokesman for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: “The ongoing incident on the A1 motorway between Chester-le-Street and Washington has now finished.