Cumbria's emergency services have been dealing with a "serious" crash on the A66, say police.

The collision is said to have happened on the main road between the Bassenthwaite dual carriageway and the turn-off for Thornthwaite, near Keswick.

In an update, Cumbria Roads Police said the crash has involved six vehicles.

A spokesperson for the force said: "The road is closed in both directions."

A roads police tweet stated: "The A66 in Cumbria is currently closed due to a serious collision involving six vehicles at Thornthwaite, Keswick.

"You will be delayed, we will update you as soon as the road reopens."

The collision was reported to the authorities about 1pm.

Two fire engines, one from Cockermouth and another from Keswick, attended the incident.

A fire service spokesperson said: "Firefighters released one casualty from a vehicle.

"Two casualties were taken by air ambulance to hospital and one casualty was taken by road ambulance.

"Crews were in attendance for one hour and forty minutes."

*The road reopened about 5.30pm.