Major A1 incident as pictures show crushed police cars and overturned vehicles (2025)

Emergency services rushed to the scene of a major crash involving multiple police cars in the early hours of April 9 – the A1 was closed for 12 hours after the serious collision

The A1 – a major north-south route which ranks as one of the UK's busiest roads – has been closed since the early hours of this morning (April 9) due to a major collision.

Multiple police cars were involved in the accident, with early photos showing the back of one police vehicle completely caved in, supposedly from an impact. A black vehicle can also be see completely overturned, surrounded by other emergency response cars which are equally wrecked, scratched and smashed. Current reports say seven police officers people have been taken to hospital.

Then A1 has been closed between J73 (Swalwell) and J75 (Denton) since about 2am this morning with extensive police investigation work underway. Northumbria Police are currently on the scene, but there is no estimate as of yet for a likely reopening time. Major delays are expected this morning as a result.

National Highways Traffic officers are assisting with traffic management with diversions in place.

Northumbria Police said officers tried to stop a car in the Whickham area of Gateshead at around 2am this morning because of concerns over the way it was being driven. The vehicle left the area and a pursuit was authorised when it was sighted at around 2.25am.

Two minutes later the car and five police vehicles were involved in the collision, and a section of A1 remained closed in both directions nearly 12 hours later.

Superintendent Michelle Caisley, from Northumbria Police, said: “Firstly, we want to wish all the officers who have been involved in the collision a full recovery. We would also thank all those who attended the scene, including our colleagues from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and the North East Ambulance Service.

“An investigation is under way to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ask anyone with information that may assist us to come forward.

“We would also ask people to avoid speculation both online and in the community which could impact the investigation.

“We recognise this incident has caused significant delays and thank motorists for their patience. The road closure has been necessary in order for our collision investigation team to conduct their inquiries.”

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said earlier: "Shortly before 2:30am today (Wednesday) we received a report of a multi-vehicle collision on the A1 northbound near the Derwent Haugh Road junction, Gateshead.

"Emergency services are currently in attendance. A section of the road is closed in both directions – there are diversions in place from the Derwent Haugh Road junction northbound, and the A69 roundabout southbound.

"Motorists should use alternative routes where possible."

Shocking aftermath pictures show that one police car has been left without a roof. It is unknown at this time whether the police van and the police car closest to the van were involved in the collision.

The A1 remains closed in both directions after the horror crash. Around three police cars involved in the crash still remain at the scene.

In the early hours, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service tweeted: "We are currently dealing with an Incident on the A1. The road will be closed in both directions between Scotswood Road and A69 Denton for at least the next 5 hours."

While that expected time frame had passed, the road has still not reopened as usual and drivers are still advised to plan an alternative journey.

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We received a call at 2.29am on Wednesday 9 April to reports of a road traffic collision on the A1 northbound near Denton, Newcastle.

"We dispatched five ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a duty officer, two crews from our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and requested support from our colleagues at the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) who attended by road.

"Five patients were transported to hospital for further treatment."

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