Drivers urged to avoid key roundabout after lorry overturns

The lorry overturned early this afternoon on the Millhouse Roundabout, in Washington.

Police are at the scene, and say it could take them a number of hours to recover the vehicle.

A man was taken to hospital after the incident, according to police, but his injuries are believed to be non-life threatening.

Drivers have been advised to avoid the area, particularly around rush hour.

A tweet from Northumbria Police said: "We're currently dealing with an overturned lorry on the Millhouse Roundabout in Washington.

"Recovery may take a number of hours, which may cause some disruption around rush hour.

"Try to avoid the area if at all possible.

"Thanks for your patience."

A statement from the force later added: “At about 12.49pm today, police received a report of an overturned lorry at Millhouse Roundabout in Washington.

“Emergency services attended the scene and a man was taken to hospital.

"His injuries are believed to be non-life threatening.

“The lorry is blocking one lane and there is heavy traffic in the area.

“Recovery of the vehicle may take a number of hours.

“We would advise road users to avoid the area if possible.”