The A35 has re-opened after an earlier lorry fire at Chideock.

The incident is reported to have taken place between the B3162 West Road and Star Lane this afternoon. 

Members of the public have reported hearing a loud bang or possible explosion, and seeing lots of white smoke.

A diversion was in place sending motorists via Symondsbury.

One person who witnessed the incident said: "Smoke was coming from the trailer when it was stopped at Charmouth roundabout, at the time I saw it."

A spokesman for Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said: "A lorry was well alight and crews started working on it using two hose-reel jets.

"The incident was brought under control at 4.48pm using four hose reel jets.

"The fire was caused by the turbo exploding on the vehicle and there was severe damage to the cab of the lorry."

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "We received a call at 4.15pm to reports of a lorry on fire on the A35 at Chideock. 

"The incident involves a yellow and blue articulated truck registered to a Wigan company."

The A35 was closed at around 9pm for an hour while the lorry was recovered, and motorists were forced to turn back to the A35 at Hunter's Lodge in Devon and take the B3165 through Marshwood towards Broadwindsor to get back to Bridport.

A spokesman for Bridport Police issued an update last night, which said: "The contraflow traffic lights are still in place due to damage to the road surface.

"The traffic lights will be in place until Thursday, when Highways are able to inspect the road and carry out any repairs."

The HIghways Agency said temporary traffic lights will be in place all day today near Duck Street in Chideock, and repairs to the road surface will be made this evening.