DRIVERS are being warned to expect delays on the A12 after a collision. 

Emergency services are on the scene on the northbound carriageway, near to Copdock.

The collision involves six vehicles, including two lorries and a car, and took place shortly after 12.40pm this afternoon.

A second three-vehicle collision has now taken place on the southbound carriageway opposite the scene of the initial incident.

Both carriageways are currently closed and drivers are being diverted off the northbound section at Capel St Mary and the southbound at Washbrook.

Disruption is expected for "several hours".

A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said: "Both carriageways of the A12 at Copdock are now closed following two road traffic collisions.

"Police were called at 12.40pm this afternoon, Friday 20 April, to reports of a six-vehicle collision on the northbound carriageway prior to the Copdock Mill interchange.

"A three-vehicle collision has subsequently taken place on the southbound carriageway opposite the scene of the initial collision.

"This occurred at around 2.15pm.

"As a result of this the southbound carriageway has also been closed, with traffic diverted off at the Washbrook exit.

"The northbound carriageway remains closed and traffic is being diverted off at the exit for Capel St Mary.

"Both carriageways are expected to remain closed for several hours and motorists are advised to avoid the area and use an alternative route where possible."

A spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service Trust said: “We were called today (20th April) at 12.37pm to reports of multi-vehicle road traffic collision on the A12 (northbound), Capel St Mary, Suffolk.

“Two ambulance crews, an ambulance officer, a rapid response vehicle and the air ambulance from Essex and Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) were sent to help.”