A stolen car was set on fire on the A35 , forcing the road to close.

At around 7.30am on Sunday, a car burst into flames on the side of the A35 near he Charmouth roundabout.

Firefighters from Charmouth Fire Station rushed to the scene to discover the car engulfed in flames but no driver could be found. 

Firefighters put out the stolen which was stolen from WilshireFirefighters put out the stolen which was stolen from Wiltshire (Image: DWFRS) A passing police officer and paramedic assisted the fire service in helping to close the road as firefighters tackled the blaze.

Once the fire was extinguished and the vehicle secured the fire service handed the scene over to the police as they continued their investigation. 

It is understood that the car was stolen from Wiltshire and may have been set on fire deliberately.

(Image: DWFRS) A spokesperson for Charmouth Fire Station said: "At 7.24am we mobilised to a car on fire on the side of the A35. Crews got to work using two breathing apparatus wearers and one hose reel jet.

"Many thanks to the passing police officer and paramedic who closed the road for us.

"There was no sign of a driver, so crews conducted a search of the area in case the driver was injured, but no-one was found.

"It later transpired that the car had been stolen from Wiltshire and is believed to have been deliberately set on fire.

"Crews extinguished the fire and handed over the scene to the police to continue their investigation."

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "We received a report at 7.24am of a vehicle fire on the A35 near to the Charmouth roundabout near Charmouth.

"Officers attended and assisted as the fire service who extinguished the fire.

"It was reported that the cause of the fire may have been deliberate and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

"Officers left the scene shortly after 10am."