HAMPSHIRE police officers captured a ferocious blaze that caused miles of tailbacks on the A31 late on Tuesday evening.

Motorists travelling on the dual carriageway near Ringwood faced long queues along the major route as a result of the lorry fire.

Emergency services were called at around 6pm after reports of a fire to a vehicle parked in a lay-by off the westbound lane on Poulner Hill.

It was extinguished by firefighters from the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services, although the lorry was completely destroyed by the flames.

The driver, a 40-year-old man, was taken to hospital following the incident, but was unhurt.

Traffic was affected for hours, with queues forming past Picket Post and later onto the M27.