Tributes paid to dad who died in multi-vehicle crash on A1

The family of a dad killed in a multi-vehicle crash on the A1 has said he “will be sadly missed by all who knew him”.

Paul Mullen, 51, was driving a Toyota Hilux when he suffered fatal injuries in the incident in Durham on Thursday.

A man and a woman in a Vauxhall Crossland also died after several vehicles, including two lorries, collided on the northbound carriageway at Bowburn at 6.20pm.

One of the lorries caught fire as a result of the collision.

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Mr Mullen, of Durham, leaves behind a partner and three children.

In a statement, his family said: “Our hearts are broken. Life will never be the same again.

“He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”

A 41-year-old man – the driver of one of the lorries – was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has been released on bail.

The two other victims have not been formally identified but their relatives have been informed about their deaths.

The crash injured several others, including two people who were taken to hospital.

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The road was temporarily closed in both Bradbury and Carrville while emergency services worked at the scene.

Durham Constabulary is urging anyone with dashcam footage of the incident to come forward.