A man had to be cut free from his car last night after a crash just outside Stevenage blocked the A602 in both directions.

Emergency services – including the Herts Air Ambulance – were called at about 6pm after reports that a black Nissan Micra and a black Vauxhall Astra had collided on the A602 at Hooks Cross.

Firefighters treated two people at the scene before the ambulance service took over, and cut a man in his 50s free from his car.

The man – who had back and abdomen injuries – was taken to Lister Hospital by land ambulance for further treatment, as was a second patient.

The man’s injuries have been described by police as serious.

The road was blocked as a result of the crash, with fire crews leaving the scene shortly after 7pm.