THERE was major congestion around the County Gates roundabout this morning after a crash.

One lane of the A338 Wessex Way was closed due to a four car accident near the busy roundabout.

It has now re-opened but diversion routes are still slow.

Congestion affected the A338 Wessex Way westbound past Bournemouth west roundabout, as well as eastbound on the A35 to Ashley Road.

Traffic was queued past St Paul's roundabout as a result of the crash.

Police said four vehicles were involved, two of which were damaged so badly they could not be driven and had to be recovered.

There are not believed to be any injuries.

Emergency services were called at 7.35am and rush hour traffic quickly built up along the A338 and into Parkstone.

Dorset Fire and Rescue were also called to the scene because smoke was coming from one of the vehicles and the local authority was informed because the road needed cleaning before it was re-opened.

The vehicles involved included a red Volkswagen Golf, registered to a Christchurch man, a grey Ford Focus, registered to a woman from Christchurch, a blue Volkswagen Polo and a red Fiat 500, both registered to Bournemouth women.

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