TRAFFIC was brought to a standstill on the outskirts of York today after two car smashes.

Police diverted vehicles on to the A64 and A1237 after a serious accident on the A1, near Bramham. The A19 was also blocked off at Escrick following a two-car collision, in which the drivers escaped with minor injuries.

Traffic was at a standstill between Copmanthorpe and Clifton on York's Outer Ring Road.

At Bramham, one person was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary suffering from multiple serious injuries after the crash at the Bramham Crossroads on the northbound section of the A1 at 9.21am today. A second person, a woman believed to be 25, was taken to Harrogate District Hospital with very serious injuries. Three other people sustained minor injuries.

Updated: 14:29 Friday, July 18, 2003