THERE is queueing traffic after a fire tore through a Waitrose lorry on the A267.

The cab of the vehicle was destroyed in the blaze at Cross in Hand, near Heathfield.

Fire crews were called to the scene at about 7.30 this morning and were able to bring the inferno under control.

But the road remains shut with the charred carcass of the lorry still on the highway.

A traffic report warned that there is very slow traffic in the area as a result of the road closure. 

An AA spokesman said: "The road is closed and there is queueing traffic due to a truck fire on the A267 both ways near The Cross In The Hand Inn.

"This is affecting traffic between Heathfield and Maresfield."

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have been contacted for comment.

Update

Shortly before 10am, the road was partially reopened. There is still slow traffic in the area, and the lorry is awaiting recovery.

An AA spokesman said: "The road is now partially blocked and there is slow traffic due to the earlier lorry fire on the A267 both ways near The Cross In The Hand Inn.

"The road was closed. The fire has been extinguished and (we are) awaiting recovery of the lorry."