POLICE, firefighters and environment experts are attending the scene of a chemical spillage which has closed a busy North-East road.

An articulated lorry overturned on the A66(M) near Darlington at about 4.20pm this evening (Friday, January 10)

The spill has closed the A66(M) eastbound, between the A1(M) at junction 57 and Bland's Corner, in Darlington.

Fire engines from Darlington and Bishop Auckland have been dealiong with the spillage, and appliances from North Yorkshire were also sent to the scene as backup.

The lorry has come to rest on an island near the turn-off to the nearby village of Stapleton.

Environment Agency officials are helping with the clean-up of a corrosive substance which has spilled onto the carriageway.

Traffic approaching the roundabout on the A66(M) is being diverted by police, who say the road is expected to be closed until at least midnight