TWO people are believed to be fighting for their lives today after separate road accidents within a few miles of each other.One of the accidents, which left a motorist in hospital with serious injuries, saw the A12 near Wickham Market blocked for more than five hours.

TWO people are in a serious condition in hospital today after separate road accidents within a few miles of each other.

One of the accidents saw the A12 near Wickham Market blocked for more than five hours.

Meanwhile a female passenger is thought to be in a life threatening condition in Ipswich Hospital after a crash in Melton.

The first crash happened shortly before 2pm at Melton, near the Suffolk Coastal District Council offices on Melton Hill.

Police say a car was in collision with a stationary scaffolding lorry as scaffolding was being taken down.

That was followed by another vehicle colliding with the back of the car, and the woman passenger in the back seat of the first car suffered serious head injuries, thought to be life threatening.

She was taken to hospital in Heath Road, Ipswich, but was later transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. There were no other serious injuries in the accident. None of those involved in the crash have yet been named by police.

Just 30 minutes later, at Wickham Market, a Volvo lorry carrying steel tubes was in collision with a stationary Mercedes Sprinter van on the Lowestoft bound carriageway.

It is believed the van driver was airlifted to Ipswich Hospital. He is also thought to potentially have life threatening injuries.

The road heading towards Marlesford was closed while emergency crews attended the scene and traffic heading south was also disrupted. The northbound A12 was not reopened until just before 8pm.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to call 01473 613500.