A TRAILER containing around 30 tonnes of potatoes has caught fire on the A47 causing the road to be closed in both directions.

Two fire crews from Stanground and Thorney and the police were called to the blaze at 2.10pm on the eastbound carriageway on the Eye Bypass at Eye Green, near Peterborough.

Firefighters used two hose reels and a jet to extinguish the fire, which was under control by around 3.10pm. The fire was believed to have been caused by a tyre blowout.

The road remains closed in both directions to allow recovery of the vehicle. For up to date information on road closures, visit www.highways.gov.uk