Update: Four taken to hospital after seven-vehicle smash on A19

Emergency services were called to the A19 at 6.25am after a crash involving six vehicles and an HGV on the northbound carriageway of the A19, near Boldon.

The road, between the A1290 junction and Testo's Roundabout, was closed while five fire crews, three ambulances and police attended to motorists.

One man was cut free from a Vauxhall Corsa by firefighters and taken to hospital suffering with back and head injuries.

Police have confirmed three others were also taken to hospital. All are said to have "non-life-threatening" injuries.

Two other people were treated by the roadside by paramedics for whiplash.

Diversions were put in place via A1231 Washington Highway onto A194 and or A184 after the road was closed as a clean-up operation took place.

The road has now re-opened.

A Nissan spokeswoman said the plant has slowed production first thing to allow staff extra travel time.

"Our line 2 started up this morning and ran at a slower than normal rate, allowing everyone to get into work," she said.

"However, there will be no effect on plant volume.”