A COACH burst into flames outside a Weymouth petrol station. (TUES) Its engine caught light as it was being driven back to Barry's Coaches for repair.

Driver Paul Loveday said he tried to put out the blaze with the on board fire extinguisher but was driven back by the flames.

He said: "I pulled up the engine cover and tried to put it out with another bloke but it was too intense.

"The extinguishers you get on the coaches aren't big enough."

Mr Loveday said he had noticed smoke coming from the exhaust and was returning it for repairs.

But it broke down and burst into flames a few dozen yards from The Granby Filling Station in Cumberland Drive.

Weymouth Fire Station watch manager Alan Briggs said: "When we arrived the rear of the engine was well alight.

"It is believed that a turbo charger could be responsible. Oil got into the exhaust and it caught alight."

Mr Briggs added that the petrol station was not at risk because the fire was outside the forecourt.

Kyle Fears, 20, witnessed the blaze.

He said: "The fire was massive. There was smoke pouring out and flames shooting out the back.

"There was also a huge bang."