The A1231 Sunderland Highway fully reopened after a three-car smash.

A three-vehicle smash closed the A1231 in Washington earlier this afternoon
The A1231 Sunderland Highway.The A1231 Sunderland Highway.
The A1231 Sunderland Highway.

A police spokeswoman said the smash occurred at 12.56pm on the westbound carriageway, just beyond The Galleries off-slip.

The slip road was closed following the accident but reopened an hour later.

Emergency services are still on the scene.

The extent of any injuries is not yet clear.