A sign welcoming ‘sensible drivers’ to a village between Cleckheaton and Birkenshaw was damaged as a vehicle rolled over during a serious crash.

The spectacular smash left the A58 closed for several hours in the Hunsworth area as emergency services battled to free the driver and clear away the debris.

The motorist was taken to hospital, but is not thought to have suffered serious injuries.

Onlookers reported seeing firefighters cutting a person out of a vehicle after the incident at around 8.15pm.

The roads policing team tweeted: “A58 at Hunsworth. Driver of this one managed to collect the sign as they rolled the car. Taken to hospital for further checks but thankfully no serious injury. #NoWordsNeeded.”

By 11pm, emergency services had left the scene and the road was open again.

Earlier, at the height of the disruption, The Batley and Spen Police’s Facebook page warned: “Whitehall Road West at Birkenshaw is currently closed from the Roundabout at Heathfield Farm to the Junction of Drub Lane due to an RTC.

“The road is expected to be closed for some time, motorists are advised to avoid the area.”

One passer-by said: “I’ve just seen this. Apparently the car is overturned & they are having to cut them out.”

Another added: “well if your going to roll a car it’s best to do it 200 yards from the fire station.”

Police later issued a warning to motorists who were trying to sneak past the police van to continue their journeys.

It read: “For all those stopping to ask, yes the police van blocking the road means the road is closed, and driving down the wrong side of the roundabout to try and sneak passed will only get you in trouble.

“We appreciate that this is an inconvenience, but we are here for a reason. Please avoid the area!!”