EMERGENCY road works took place this morning near Shaftesbury after a crane fire damaged the carriageway.

The A350 at Bozley Hill, close to Cann at the junction of Foot's Hill, was closed overnight after firefighters were called to the 79 tonne crane fire.

Two crews from Shaftesbury were joined by crews from Gillingham, Sturminster Newton and Sherborne to tackle the blaze at 6.20pm.

The fuel tank of the large vehicle was ruptured spilling diesel out onto the whole road which was completely blocked.

Firefighters used breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets and compressed air foam.

Police were called in to control traffic in the area.

A stop message was issued at 8.20pm.

The fire is not being treated as suspicious.

A diversion route was in place from Blandford to Shaftesbury along the Higher Shaftesbury road/B3081 running parallel with the A350 while the road was resurfaced and the crane recovered. 

The road was re-opened at around 6.30pm.

A spokesman said there will be signs up informing motorists that a temporary road surface is in place. A more permanent resurfacing will take place at another time, to be confirmed.