POLICE have said they are treating a 60-vehicle pile-up on the A1 as a criminal investigation due to the "serious driving offences" committed.

The crash near Boroughbridge on Good Friday, which officers described as "one of the worst ever" in terms of numbers, saw 25 people taken to hospital with various injuries. Nobody was killed.

It began moments after a caravan overturned and the vehicle towing it crashed into the central reservation in thick fog at about 6am on the northbound carriageway.

Several lorries then ploughed into the wreckage as the motorway was turned into a scene of chaos as cars and lorries collided with each other. Police, who appealed for help in tracing a lorry driver who may hold vital clues, said it was a miracle no-one was killed.

A 16-mile tailback built up as 600 vehicles were left stranded on the carriageway as police carried out a detailed examination of the scene. Officers are investigating three separate accident scenes.

Sergeant Brian Trickett told a news conference in Harrogate that it was vital they spoke to the driver of a skip lorry.

He said: "Something has gone on ahead of the caravan driver, we know that from markings on the road. Somewhere among the initial accident a green-coloured Volvo or Scania skip lorry has been involved."

The officer said they had found debris at the scene which indicated the lorry had been struck from behind.

"That vehicle has not stopped and the driver has carried on his journey. It is possible the driver didn't know. However, it is important we speak to him and eliminate him from our inquiries." He can contact them on 01609 783131.

Sgt Trickett said he was "disappointed" drivers had not heeded the advice issued after four people were killed in crashes in fog on the M5 and the M40 at the start of the Easter getaway.

"We have had reports from lorry drivers saying they had drivers pass them at 60-70 mph. When I arrived at the scene visibility was down to 100 metres."

Police said three pregnant women were caught up in the accident, although all escaped the carnage unscathed.

The most seriously injured included a six-year-old girl, who needed surgery for internal injuries, and a 30 year-old man who suffered head injuries.

Sgt Trickett added: "From the sheer number of vehicles involved this was one of the worst accidents we have had to deal with. In terms of injuries, it was a miracle no-one was killed."

Updated: 10:35 Monday, April 01, 2002