A CAR caught fire on the A23 - with a stretch of the busy road closed while emergency services tackled the flames.

The car burst into flames in the Handcross area at about 2.30pm and was "well alight" by the time the emergency services got there.

Traffic built up on the northbound carriageway headed towards Crawley following the incident at around 2.30pm.

One fire engine dealt with the blaze with crews leading the scene at 3.20pm.

A spokeswoman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 2.31pm we were called to a vehicle fire at the A23, Handcross and one fire engine from Crawley was sent to the incident.

"On arrival one vehicle was well alight. Crews used two sets of breathing apparatus and one hose reel to extinguish the fire.

"Officers from Sussex Police were also in attendance and the A23 northbound was closed while firefighters dealt with the incident.

"Crews left the scene at 3.22pm."

There were no reports of any injuries.

Sussex Police were contacted for comment.

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