A CAR fire on the Weymouth Relief Road caused long tail backs in rush-hour traffic.

The incident at the Bincombe turning led to the closure of the relief road between the Jurassic roundabout at and the football stadium roundabout in Dorchester. The incident caused long queues and congestion on other roads as drivers sought alternative routes.

Dorset Police said a silver Mazda panel van and a Vauxhall Corsa were involved in a collision and the latter vehicle burst into flames.

Police and fire were called just after 4.30pm yesterday afternoon.

One person was medically trapped by the ankle in the van and had to be helped by Dorset Fire and Rescue Service.

There was also damage caused to a Vauxhall Caddy van in a separate incident near the football roundabout.