THERE has been a lorry fire on the A27 near Hollingbury and the road was closed both ways.

The lorry was heading eastbound on the A27 towards Falmer, however the incident is causing delays on both sides with police advising to avoid the area.

The video shows a massive fire and plume of black smoke. Cars can be seen driving past the lorry.

There is now a diversion in both directions via the A270 Lewes Road and Coldean Lane.

Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire Rescue Service are on scene. The fire has now been put out and one lane westbound has been reopened, while the eastbound side still remains closed.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "There is currently a full road closure in place on the A27 in both directions between Hollingbury and Falmer due to a vehicle fire.

"The road will remain closed for some time so please avoid the area. We will update when the road reopen."

The Argus: Picture from bridge over A27 by Christine Chapman.Picture from bridge over A27 by Christine Chapman.

Westbound traffic will be diverted onto the A270, heading west towards Brighton city centre. At the junction with Coldean Lane it will exit the A270 onto Coldean Lane. Traffic will re-join the A27 at Hollingbury.

Eastbound traffic will use the same roads in reverse order, exiting the A27 at Hollingbury.

The westbound side will be opened "at some stage" once emergency services have the fire under control. While the eastbound side will be closed for some "considerable time due to recovery and probable road surface damage", said a police officer.

It is unclear whether anyone was hurt in the incident.

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