THE main road connecting the north west and the north east has been closed.

The A69 is currently closed in both directions as a result of a crash.

Emergency services are at the scene.

The crash was first reported just after 4am.

A spokesman from Highways England said: "The A69 is currently closed in both directions between the A6079 near Hexham, Northumberland, and the B6318 near Greenhead, Cumbria."

Northumbria Police is currently leading the response to the serious crash.

The road has been closed in both directions to allow Northumbria Police to investigate.

National Highways hasresources en route to assist with traffic management.

The road is expected to remain closed in both directions throughout the morning.

Diversion routes

Eastbound traffic are advised to follow the solid square diversion symbol on local road signs. 

Turn left off the eastbound A69 on to B630 at Greenhead Bank.

Turn right on to B6318 at Greenhead towards Chollerford.

Continue on B6318 for approximately 16 miles.

Turn right at Chollerford roundabout and go over signal controlled bridge.

Turn right on to A6079 towards Hexham.

Continue through the villages of Wall and Acomb.

Turn left to rejoin the A69 eastbound carriageway

Westbound traffic are advised to follow the solid triangle diversion symbol on local road signs. 

Turn right off A69 at Acomb junction on to A6079.

Continue through the villages of Acomb and Wall.

Turn right on to B6318 at Low Brunton crossroads.

Take first exit at Chollerford roundabout staying on B6318.

Turn left on to B630 in Greenhead village.

Turn right and rejoin the A69 westbound at Greenhead Bank.

If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time, Highways has said. 

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "At about 3.45am today (Monday), we received a report of a collision involving a car and a heavy goods vehicle on the A69 near Haltwhistle.

"Emergency services are at the scene.

"The road is currently closed and is expected to remain so for most of this morning.

"A diversion is in place."