A vehicle burst into flames after a crash on a main route in Dorset.

Emergency services were alerted to the three-vehicle crash on the A31 near Canford Bottom this afternoon just after 3.30pm.

It led to the road being closed in both directions from the B3073 Canford Bottom roundabout to Cobham Road, West Moors. It has now reopened.

The crash involved a Honda Civic, a Ford transit van and a Ford Fiesta, which was burnt out.

A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews from the Ferndown Fire station were requested to attend a road traffic collision due to a vehicle being involved in fire.

"In attendance crews confirmed the fire following a three vehicle collision.

"Crews requested an additional fire engine to assist which came from the Wimborne Fire Station.

"Two hose reel jets and two breathing apparatus wearers were used to extinguish the fire. Assistance was provided for the causalities as a result of the collision."

Dorset Police were alerted to the crash by an officer who originally believed it involved two cars.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "One vehicle caught fire and burnt out and the fire and ambulance service attended. It was walking wounded.

"The road was closed until 6.33pm and there were minimal delays due to the volume of traffic and there were diversions in place."