Horses taken for treatment after A1(M) Washington crash

The motorway was closed southbound between Washington and Birtley at about 8.45am on Saturday (July 5) after reports of a "fault" with a horse truck. Police and six fire crews including a rescue unit attended the motorway. Three horses were involved in a crash on Saturday, July 5 after a fault with the vehicle carrying the animals (Image: LEE BLACK) Northumbria Police have now confirmed that the horses who were being transported in the vehicle were taken for treatment and to be checked over.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson previously said: "Shortly after 8.45am today (Saturday), we were called to assist with a vehicle on the A1 southbound, near to Washington Services. "Emergency services are currently in attendance at the scene where a truck carrying horses has experienced a vehicle fault. "A section of the road is closed in both directions to allow for recovery to take place.

"Motorists are advised to seek an alternative route where possible." A Tyne and Wear Fire Service spokesperson previously said: "We were called at 8.52am by the police, and we had six appliances on scene. One of them was a heavy rescue.

We have since left the scene.

"It involves three horses who have been transported elsewhere in another box."

The road re-opened at about 11am.