Seven people have been taken to hospital with "significant injuries" after a serious crash in County Durham.
Three vehicles were involved in the collision on the A1086 Coast Road between the villages of Horden and Blackhall just after 2.30pm on Wednesday.
The road has been blocked off by police and is expected to remain closed into the evening.
Two air ambulances were called and some of the injured were treated at the scene before being taken to hospital.
A total of seven people who had suffered serious injuries have been taken to three different hospitals.
A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called at 2.33pm to a serious road traffic collision involving three vehicles on the Coast Road on Milton Avenue in Blackhall Colliery.
"We dispatched 13 resources to scene and requested support from the Great North Air Ambulance Service, which also dispatched two helicopters.
"We have treated seven patients with significant injuries and all have now been conveyed to three hospitals in the area."
Cones had been put in place across the road with drivers turned away from using the 40mph stretch.
Police vehicles and ambulances were seen heading to the crash site throughout the afternoon.
A statement from Durham Constabulary read: "We are currently at the scene of a three-vehicle collision on the Coast Road, Horden
"The incident happened at about 2.30pm.
"Durham Constabulary, Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, North East Ambulance Service and Great North Air Ambulance are all in attendance.
"Several people have been taken to hospital and the extent of their injuries are currently unknown.
"Emergency services are expected to remain at the scene for a significant period.
"People are asked to avoid the area and the road remains closed."
