An air ambulance crew was called in on a mercy mission after a motorcyclist and a van collided just outside Hitchin during the evening rush hour.

Emergency services were called to the dual carriageway at about 6.30pm following a crash opposite the turning for Charlton Road. The trunk road was closed by police as the ambulance crew went into action.

The East Anglian Air Ambulance landed in a nearby field, although it is not yet clear on the extent of the injuries to those involved.

The A505 remained closed in both directions into the evening, although motorists heading towards Luton can get on the dual carriageway at the Offley turning.

The filter lane for Charlton Road just past the Three Moorhens roundabout is also closed.