THE A64 eastbound near Malton was closed for a number of hours today (November 20) after a lorry overturned.

Emergency services, including police, fire and ambulance crews and an air ambulance, were called to the scene.

North Yorkshire Police initially said it was a two-vehicle collision, but later confirmed it was just one vehicle involved -  a green Iveco lorry.

The force is appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage following the crash.

It said the driver of the lorry was seriously injured and taken to hospital by air ambulance. 

Yorkshire Ambulance Service added that one person has been airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary with a serious arm injury.

It said that two ambulances and two rapid response vehicles, along with the air ambulance, responded to reports of a collision and an overturned lorry at about 9.40am.

A full closure was in place on the eastbound carriageway. Highways England tweeted shortly after 4pm to say all lanes were back open. 

The westbound carriageway was also shut temporarily for the air ambulance to land.

Traffic was diverted through Malton and there were long delays on the B1248.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area.

Police inquiries are ongoing and officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward to assist the investigation.

In particular, anyone who witnessed the crash, was travelling in the area at the time, or had dash-cam in operation prior to the collision is urged to contact them.

Anyone who can help should call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and pass information to the force control room or email road policing sergeant Neale Rees at Neale.Rees@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

Quote reference number 12190213454.

North Yorkshire Police's control room tweeted:

North Yorkshire Police Traffic Bureau tweeted: