A BRIDGE which carries a key road route from the north of Longtown suffered 'significant' damage during an accident early today, say experts.

Motorists travelling through Longtown have faced delays and disruption after the early morning accident, which demolished part of a parapet on Longtown Bridge. The bridge and the road at Longtown Bridge are currently closed so that the damage can be assessed.

The car involved is reported to have collided with an arch of the bridge, partly demolishing it. It happened in the early hours of today and resulted in sandstones blocks tumbling into the River Esk below.

The bridge goes over the River Esk.

Engineers are due to inspect the bridge at 3pm today, but a Cumbria County Council spokesman said that the damage to the parapet next to the southbound carriageway was "significant".

Two Longtown Carlisle city councillors say they fear that the potential future disruption for people who need to drive through the town - both northwards and southwards - could be major. "It's a major route and this could be a very big issue for Longtown," said Carlisle City Council Leader John Mallinson.

His fellow councillor David Shepherd said: "It's going to have serious consequences."

Photos of the damaged bridge show a 30ft section of wall which has fallen into the river.

Updates to follow.