TRAFFIC is backing up along the A1(M) this afternoon (Tuesday), after two crashes in the space of half an hour.

Police and paramedics were called to the northbound carriageway between junction six Welwyn and seven Stevenage just after 4.20pm, following reports of a collision between a black Land Rover Discovery and a silver Nissan Micra.

Although there were no injuries, emergency services were then called to a second crash that took place at 4.50pm in the resulting tailback.

A motorcyclist riding a silver Honda bike collided with a white van. It is not yet known if anyone was injured in the second accident.

The road is temporarily closed while the Highways Agency recovers the two vehicles from the first crash.