One person was trapped and hundreds of motorists faced a lengthy diversion when a three-vehicle crash blocked part of the A19 in North Yorkshire.

Firefighters and paramedics dealt with the incident which happened at about 4pm near Leake Church near Borrowby north of Thirsk  on the northbound carriageway of the major trunk route.

Police closed the carriageway between the A61/A168 Thirsk turn-off and the A684 Northallerton turn-off.  Traffic problems subsequently built up on the A168 approaching Northallerton from the south.  Delays are expected to continue for some time yet for traffic heading north.

The southbound carriageway is open.