Rush hour chaos as tons of animal carcasses close A1

The accident happened between Junctions 47 and 48, near Dishforth, at around 11.50am.

One of the lorries was carrying 15 tonnes of animal carcasses, half of which, police said, spilled across the road.

The southbound section of the A1 has been closed since the accident while a North Yorkshire Police spokesman says the northbound section has also now been closed to prevent drivers being distressed at the sight of the bodies.

The A1 is expected to be reopened later this evening.

Diversions are in place.