Police have launched an investigation after three people tragically died in a horror crash on the A1.

At 2.30pm yesterday (Thursday), police were called to a report of a collision involving two cars on the A1 between Denwick and South Charlton. It was reported that a silver Volkswagen Polo was travelling northbound when, for reasons yet to be established, Northumbria Police said, it collided with a red Hyundai i20 travelling in the opposite direction.

The male driver, aged in his 80s, and the female passenger, aged in her 70s, from the Hyundai were pronounced deceased.

A female passenger from the Polo, aged in her 60s, was also pronounced deceased, and the male driver, also in his 60s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

A section of the road was closed following the collision for around seven hours and has since been reopened. Officers from the Force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) have since launched an investigation to understand the full circumstances leading up to the collision.

They now want to hear from anyone who was travelling in the area at the time, and those who may have CCTV or dashcam footage.

Inspector Steven Clare, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an incredibly tragic incident where three people have lost their lives – and one other person remains in a serious condition. Our thoughts remain firmly with all of their loved ones, and we are dedicated to getting them the answers they deserve.

“Our investigation is very much underway, and we are now appealing for further witnesses who may have been in the area to come forward.

“We know this is a very busy stretch of road through Northumberland – and there will have likely been many motorists passing in both directions. We’re especially keen to hear from anyone who did initially stop at the scene to help but left prior to police arriving.

“We would also like anyone travelling that route at around 2.30pm who has dashcam footage to get in touch – even if they did not witness the collision, as the footage may still hold valuable information. If you were in the area or have any information that might help with our investigation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”

Anyone with information, particularly those with CCTV or dashcam footage, should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use live chat and report forms on the force’s website. Those who are unable to make contact in these ways can call 101. Anyone contacting the police should quote reference number: NP-20260521-0621.