FIREFIGHTERS rushed to deal with a blaze involving a lorry carrying 26 tonnes of assorted scrap metal on a main road in Dorset.

Emergency services were called to the A35 in a layby near Bakers Arms roundabout on Monday night.

Three crews from Poole and Hamworthy were called to the large vehicle fire, along with police who closed the road westbound.

Road users, including local bus services, faced delays and prolonged journeys while the road was shut off.

A Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "On arrival, firefighters found a fire involving a lorry carrying approximately 26 tonnes of assorted scrap metal.

"The police were requested to attend to assist with traffic control whilst good progress was made extinguishing the fire by using a hose reel jet and compressed air foam.

"The decision was made to move the lorry to a more secure location to enable crews to remove the load and fully extinguish the fire. The stop came at 7.15pm."