THE A19 was shut in both directions at Tollerton, between Thirsk and York, following a serious accident on Tuesday.

The incident is understood to involve just one vehicle but police closed the road for several hours.

North Yorkshire Police tweeted: "Dealing with serious RTC on A19 at Tollerton, road currently closed please use alternative routes."

Drivers travelling north were advised to leave the A19 at the closure, go through Tollerton and then rejoin via Sykes Lane.

North Yorkshire Police road traffic officer Mark Patterson tweeted on Tuesday morning: "Currently at scene of serious RTC at Tollerton. 

"Diversions through village with long delays. The road will be closed for a considerable amount of time."