FIREFIGHTERS are trying to free a man trapped in car which crashed into trees and ended up on its side in a ditch off the A1(M) this evening (Wednesday).

Two crews from Stevenage and one from Hitchin are currently using cutting equipment to free the man, in his 60s, who is trapped inside a silver Mercedes E250 which crashed on the northbound carriageway between junctions 7-8 for Stevenage at about 5pm.

Ambulance crews from Stevenage and Letchworth GC are also in attendance.

One lane is closed and traffic is said to be heavy both on the motorway as well as in Stevenage near to the junction 7 exit.

*UPDATE: The man was taken to Lister Hospital in Stevenage with a chest injury, which an ambulance spokesman said was non life-threatening.