A ROAD has been closed after a tractor was engulfed in flames.

Fire crews fought the blaze as it raged in the farmyard vehicle earlier this afternoon.

A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called to reports of a tractor and trailer on fire on the A272 Lewes Road, Haywards Heath, at 1.10pm this afternoon.

“Two crews from Haywards Heath and another from Burgess Hill Fire Station were mobilised to the scene.

“Upon arrival they found the tractor well alight, along with part of the hedgerow.

“Firefighters used one high pressure hose and four hose reel jets to bring the blaze under control.

“Crews remained at the scene damping down, with the last appliance leaving the scene shortly before 3pm.

“Sussex Police closed the road while the fire was brought under control and the road is expected to remain closed for some time.

“Officers from West Sussex Highways have been requested to attend to help with the clear up, and engineers from UK Power Networks have also been requested on site.”

A West Sussex Highways spokesman said: "We have received reports from Sussex Police of a tractor that caught fire in Lewes Road near Haywards Heath between The Birch Hotel Roundabout and Sussex Gardens.

"We are en route to help with clear up.

"Expect delays."

An AA traffic report said: "The road is closed and there is slow traffic in the surrounding area due to a tractor fire on the A272 Lewes Road both ways between the junctions with the B2272 and Snowdrop Lane.

"The road remains closed since about 2pm."

The road has now been cleared.