A man has died following a crash on the A66.

Emergency services were called at about 5.30am today to a crash involving a car and a lorry, which closed the road completely.

Police have arrested a man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

A spokesman from Cumbria police said: "Officers are investigating a serious road traffic collision have arrested a 50-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

"The man arrested was the driver of the HGV involved in the collision and is from outside the county. "He was uninjured in the collision.

"The driver of the car – a red Ford Fiesta - was declared deceased at the scene.

"His family have been informed and specialist officers are working with them.

"The collision occurred at the café junction at Stainmore."

The westbound carriageway has now reopened to traffic but eastbound remains closed.

The police spokesman added: "Officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to contact police referencing incident 16 of November 11.

"They are particularly keen to trace a car driver whose own car was in the vicinity at the time of the crash and may have witnessed the moments leading up to it.

"Anyone who recognises the description of the car – a red Ford Fiesta – and saw it at around the time of the collision 5.25am – 5.30am is urged to make contact with officers."

Traffic is still heavy on the diversion routes, particularly on the B6276 Upper Street, both ways between Laithkirk Bowbank and Black Bull Lane, Brough.

The road is expected to be fully opened by 1pm.