DRAMATIC pictures shows a car engulfed in flames on a west Dorset road.

A passing motorcyclist who helped at the scene said a fire in the vehicle's engine bay spread quickly and within 15 minutes the whole car was alight.

Dorset Echo:

BLAZE DRAMA: Car fire  Picture: PETER TARRANT

It happened on the A37 Long Ash Lane near the Sydling St Nicholas turning on Saturday night.

The A37 was closed while the incident was dealt with.

Peter Tarrant, from Upwey, said the occupants were out safely when he arrived at the scene, a couple of miles north of Grimstone.

He said: "I arrived to witness a car facing Dorchester with flames pouring from the engine compartment. The owners were safely out and had tried to rescue items from the boot so that was open.

"I switched on the hazard lights on my BMW motorcycle and, wearing a high-viz jacket, warned other motorists.

"The fire spread rapidly through the car until it was totally engulfed lighting up the dark area.

"At that time a fire appliance arrived from the Yeovil direction parking across the road and the crew immediately deployed equipment and soon had the fire under control. At this point I set off on my journey."

Dorset Echo:

DRAMATIC: Car fire  Picture: PETER TARRANT

Firefighters from Yeovil station were alerted to the blaze at 6.50pm.

A brigade spokesman said: "Upon arrival, the crew found one private vehicle well alight and used one hose reel jet and one breathing apparatus set to extinguish the fire.

"Police were also in attendance assisting with traffic management and the incident was handed over before the crew left the scene."