Multiple lorry crashes cause traffic problems

The eastbound slip road of the A31 was closed due to a lorry fire

Drivers are being asked to avoid an area affected by three separate incidents involving lorries.

The eastbound slip road of the A31 in Ringwood, Hampshire, was closed at about 09:09 BST because of a lorry fire, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary said.

The force said another lorry had crashed into a power cable in Southampton Road in an unrelated incident, closing the road between the junctions with Wessex Road and Broadshard Lane.

Dorset Police then said a four-vehicle crash involving a lorry and two coaches had closed some lanes on the A31 near to the Ashley Heath Roundabout.

Pictures of the A31 lorry fire showed a plume of black smoke billowing into the air.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service (HIWFRS) said the trailer unit of the lorry, which was carrying "household waste", caught fire on the eastbound carriageway.

Crews from HIWFRS and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service attended and the contents of the vehicle were removed "to allow teams to continue damping down", a spokesperson said.

It is not known whether there were any injuries.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary said there were no reported injuries in the Southampton Road incident.

There were "a number of people" with minor injuries but no-one seriously hurt following the crash near Ashley Health Roundabout, Dorset Police said.

Drivers are being advised to avoid the area.

The BBC has approached the ambulance service for more details.