There was heavy traffic congestion on the eastern outskirt of Norwich this morning after two crashes in quick succession on the A47.

Emergency services were called to the westbound carriageway of the A47, close to the A146 Trowse junctions, shortly after 8am for the first crash.

This saw a white Peugeot Expert van and a blue Volkswagen Polo collide around 100 yards from the A146 junction.

A Norfolk Constabulary spokesman said it appeared the van had collided with the road's central reservation and the car had then crashed into the van.

The spokesman said the scene was 'very congested' and said the vehicles suffered 'extensive damage', totally blocking the A47's fast lane.

The East of England Ambulance Service were also called to the scene, with two ambulances and a rapid-response medical vehicle attending.

One woman was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital with injuries caused by her seat belt.

Recovery vehicles were on scene at 9.15am and the vehicles were moved from the road by 9.45am but there was still debris in the road and damage to the central reservation which needed clearing.

There was also a second collision just beyond the A146 slip road on the westbound carriageway of the A47, involving a red Renault Master van, grey Mini and yellow Mercedes Sprinter van, just after 8.30am.

This also saw someone taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

An ambulance spokesperson said: 'Luckily the injuries of both casualties were only minor. The first incident saw a woman suffer suspected whip-lash injuries, the second a man with chest pain.

'We want to advise everyone to take care on the roads as weather warnings regarding snow and ice have been issued throughout the region.

'Please only travel if you have to, stick to major routes and drive sensibly.'

The A47 was totally clear again at 10.40am.