PART of the A31 is closed because a vehicle fire and fuel spillage has left the road surface “unsafe”.

The road is closed eastbound between the B3072 and the A348 near Trickett’s Cross.

Highways England said: “The closure is in place due to a vehicle fire and subsequent fuel spillage causing the carriageway surface to become unsafe. Images from scene show the extent of the spillages and damage caused.”

Police are on the scene and Highways England said they are en route to assist Dorset Police with clearing the carriageway so it can be reopened to traffic.

There are reports of several miles of delays on the eastbound carriageway.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to a car fire at the Palmersford Roundabout at 12.56pm.

Firefighters from Ferndown attended, and the fire was extinguished using two hoses.

The incident was dealt with at 1.33pm.