A DRAMATIC truck fire on a busy Worcestershire road has closed a lane so that the damage can be assessed.

The A449 northbound at Claines, by King Hawford, saw a lane one closure overnight, continuing this morning, after a truck caught fire yesterday.

The pickup truck was engulfed in flames and set fire to hedges next to the dual carriageway.

The lane closure was confirmed by Worcestershire County Council's Highways and Travel team on social media.

A spokesperson said:"A lane one closure northbound on the A449 at Claines by Kings Hawford will be in place overnight and tomorrow morning as we assess damage to the road following a vehicle fire earlier today."

Fire engines and police were in attendance at the scene.

At the time, West Mercia Police said:"A449 is closed in both directions near to Kings Hawford due to a vehicle fire.

"Please avoid the area."

READ MORE: A449 near Ombersley closed because of car fire

An eyewitness said:"We were driving from Worcester and could see a giant black cloud of smoke really rapidly billowing into the sky.

"We see a pick-up truck which looks like it has exploded and is covered in flames.

"We didn't know if it had just happened - at first we didn't see any police or fire trucks.

"At first it was really worrying and we were about to call 999.

"Fortunately, a fire truck was coming up behind us.

"We could see a group of people standing outside it in casual clothing so I am hoping they managed to get out of the car.

"We then had to back up the car and drive the wrong way down the road to Ombersley.

"I just hope everyone got out safely."