POLICE closed the A338 Wessex Way this evening because of a van fire.

The carriageway was closed eastbound near Springbourne because of the blaze, reported to police just before 5pm.

A white Peugeot van is involved.

The carriageway was shut for around 45 minutes.

One lane then reopened after the fire has been extinguished.

The road fully reopened after the van was removed by recovery crews.

Shortly after 5pm, an eye-witness said traffic was at a standstill in both directions.

"The van's well alight," he said.

"There's thick, acrid smoke everywhere. It's a big fire - it's having a huge impact on the traffic."

A spokesperson from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "One engine from Springbourne attneded.

"We got the ball just before 5pm and the fire was extinguished at 5.25pm.

"The crew used two sets of breathing apparatus."