A FIRE next to railway tracks is causing disruption to train services this afternoon.

Lines are currently blocked between Dorchester South and Bournemouth this afternoon with disruption to the service expected to last until 6pm.

Firefighters raced to tackle the fire at a rail embankment in Bincombe after receiving a call at 2.04pm. 

Crews were able to extinguish the blaze which affected 100m of land using two hose reel jets. 

A spokesman for South Western Railway said: "Due to a fire next to the track between Dorchester South and Bournemouth the line is blocked.

"We have now received an update from the team on-site & disruption to our services is now expected until 6pm.

"For onward travel advice please speak to a member of staff or use a station help point."

A spokesman for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We received a call at 2.04pm this afternoon about a rail embankment fire in Bincombe.

"A crew from Weymouth attended the incident along with small 4x4 pumping appliances from Bere Regis and Maiden Newton.

"The fire involved approximately 100m x 10m of railway embankment and was extinguished using two hose reel jets."

An update from the National Rail Enquiries says: "Due to a fire next to the track between Dorchester South and Bournemouth the line is currently blocked. As a result trains may be cancelled or delayed by up to 30 minutes."

"Disruption is expected until 6pm."

Updates to follow.