Around 30 firefighters tackled a large building fire this afternoon. 

Emergency services were called to Bridport just before 3.30pm. 

It was reported a commercial premises was on fire on East Road, along the A35, near the Esso roundabout. 

Smoke could be seen billowing from the building, as pictured above, set back from the main road behind the autocentre.

The A35 was closed while emergency services battled the blaze and residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed. 

Some nearby businesses briefly closed while the incident was dealt with. 

One onlooker said: "I saw at least two fire engines at the industrial estate, there was a police car blocking the entrance.

"It was quite shocking to see a cloud of smoke over the industrial estate."

A spokesperson from Dorset Fire and Rescue said: "At 15.26 this afternoon  firefighters were called to East Road, Bridport after reports of a roof fire in a commercial premises.

"On arrival firefighters quickly requested support and we had six fire engines and one aerial ladder platform at this incident."

Later this afternoon, the service updated: "The fire has now been extinguished and crews are using breathing apparatus and hose reels to dampen down.

"Local residents have been advised to keep windows and doors closed and traffic on the nearby A35 is slow moving due to the incident, people are asked to drive with care."

Tailbacks were reported on the A35, particularly around the Esso roundabout and heading up Sea Road North.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "We received a report at 3.29 pm from the fire service who were dealing with a fire at the East Road Business Park in Bridport.

"Officers attended to assist the fire service and manage traffic."