Northumberland: Woman, 81, killed in A69 six-vehicle collision

The A69 was closed in both directions for a time causing traffic to build up nearby

An 81-year-old woman who was in a stationary vehicle in a layby on the A69 in Northumberland has been killed in a six-vehicle collision.

Police believe she was a passenger in a Toyota Yaris when it was hit by a BMW 420D near the roundabout with the A68 at Styford on Thursday at 09:00 GMT.

The woman died at the scene and her next of kin have been informed.

The eastbound carriageway remains closed but the westbound carriageway was reopened shortly after 15:30 GMT.

Northumbria Police said the first crash led to other vehicles to have secondary crashes.

'Tragic incident'

It said its motor patrols team was working to establish the full circumstances and appealed to any witnesses or those with dashcam footage to come forward.

Insp Matt Hough described it as a "tragic incident" and said the force was supporting the woman's family.

"An investigation has been launched, and we are committed to establish the full circumstances leading up to the collision," he said.

"We are especially keen to hear from any passing motorists or witnesses who might have seen what happened, or have any CCTV or dashcam footage which shows the area of this collision.

"Any information, however small, could prove key as part of our investigation."