A FATAL crash has caused major hold-ups on a Norfolk road, leaving road users stuck in tailbacks in the sweltering heat.

The pile up between six cars and a lorry took place on the A47 Norwich southern bypass at 12.45pm today.

Drivers are being advised to avoid the area between the A146 and A140 junctions following the crash, in which one person was killed and several more injured.

Police, ambulance and fire crews were called to the scene just west of the A146 junction and the East Anglian Air Ambulance was also scrambled.

Both carriageways of the road were closed. The Dereham-bound carriageway has re-opened but the Great Yarmouth-bound carriageway is currently closed with tailbacks stretching back two miles.

Police said it would not reopen until between 7pm and 9pm.

A diversion has been set up via the A140 and the Norwich outer ring-road.

A spokesperson for Norfolk police said: “There are currently tailbacks stretching two-and-a-half miles and officers have ensured those motorists have access to bottled water.

“Anyone travelling, or planning to travel on this section of road towards Great Yarmouth is urged to avoid the area.”