Crash victim was police officer

The Northumbria force has paid tribute to Pc Gartland

The driver killed in a series of "devastating" crashes in County Durham was a serving police officer.

Pc Neil Gartland, of the Northumbria force, died on the A19 on Friday night when about 30 vehicles were involved in separate collisions.

His car became trapped between two fuel tankers in the initial crash on the southbound carriageway between Peterlee and Wellfield.

Pc Gartland was described as an "outstanding and dedicated" officer.

He was based in South Tyneside and lived in Sunderland.

Ch Supt Mark Dennett, of Northumbria Police, said: "Neil was an outstanding officer, totally dedicated to serving the public - so much so that he recently fought his way back from injury to continue serving as a frontline cop.

Fire crews said the crashes left a scene of devastation

"He was immensely popular with all his colleagues, both at South Tyneside and throughout the force.

"Everyone who knew Neil will miss him greatly. My heartfelt sympathies and those of all staff at South Tyneside area command lie with Neil's wife and family."

The crash which killed Pc Gartland involved a petrol tanker, a diesel tanker, two lorries and a car.

Shortly afterwards, there were two further crashes involving more than 20 vehicles.

Fire crews called to the scene said they found "absolute devastation", with a large number of people trapped in vehicles.

Ten people were taken to hospital with injuries.

Thick fog on the east coast is thought to have been a factor, according to Durham Police.