SH1 northbound closed north of Auckland due to crash

State Highway 1 north of Auckland is closed to northbound traffic.

NZ Transport Agency said just after 3pm due to a crash the Northern Motorway in the northbound lanes is closed from Oteha to Silverdale.

At 4pm they said people should consider other routes for the rest of the afternoon.

Police said they responded to Point Chevalier after a vehicle was stolen from a member of the public, before continuing to the Northern Motorway where they have been involved in a multi-vehicle crash.

It added enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing and the Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

Drivers should avoid the area and consider using Dairy Flat Highway as an alternative route.

NZTA said that drivers should "expect long delays travelling northbound in the area."