Roads are being closed around Durdle Door by police as traffic is gridlocked.

Police are helping Dorset Council and urging visitors to Durdle Door to avoid the area.

A spokesperson for Dorset Traffic Police said: "The roads into Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are now closed.

"There is more than 1.5 miles of queuing traffic on the approach roads which will need to be turned around. Understandably there are some very unhappy people as some have travelled from significant distances.

"As the hot weather is expected to continue over the weekend, expect this to happen again tomorrow."

While contingency plans are in place to cope with busy days in the area, officers are involved at the request of the council.

The spokeperson added: "We are working hard to manage our significant day-to-day demand alongside supporting our partners with the increased tourism to Dorset beauty spots."

It comes just hours after the Lulworth Estate published footage of cars streaming into the site at 8am.

A post by the landowner's said: "It is going to be busy at Durdle Door today.

"To all our visitors please plan ahead, heave sensibly and take all your rubbush home."

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A Dorset Police officer reported stopping five youngsters in a vehicle, who were on there way to Durdle Door via the East Dorset bridleway network. It was reported that they were driving at excess speeds and numerous other offences.

The officer said the group had claimed it was their satnav's fault.

On Friday afternoon, Durdle Door reached its capacity and Dorset Council, along with other authorities, implemented their traffic management plan and closed roads to the popular coastal site because there was no space in the car parks.