A BUSY road has been shut after two cars burst into flames following a crash.

The A27 is closed after the collision near Lewes.

Witnesses described seeing an inferno erupt with large flames engulfing a car on the road.

Another driver said that traffic in the area was at a standstill

Sussex Police are at the scene and say the initial collision involved more vehicles.

The Argus:

A spokesman said: "We were called at 5.13pm.

"We are currently dealing with a four vehicle collision.

"The road is closed eastbound near the Ashcombe Roundabout.

"There are no injuries reported at the moment, but it is a serious collision.

"Two vehicles were alight upon arrival.

"We are currently working to set up diversions."

The Argus:

An AA spokesman said three cars had been involved in the crash.

He said: "The road is closed and there is queueing traffic due to a vehicle fire and accident.

"Three cars were involved on the A27, two of the cars have caught fire.

"There are severe delays of 21 minutes."

Brighton and Hove Buses warned drivers that the crash was causing disruption to some of its services.

A spokesman said: "The A27 has been closed at the Ashcombe Roundabout.

"We are unable to operate any through journeys on our BH28 and BH29 services.

The Argus:

"A shuttle operation will be in place between Old Steine and Falmer; Lewes and Uckfield; Uckfield and Tunbridge Wells."

At 6.30pm Sergeant Richard Hobbs of the Sussex Roads Policing Unit said that one lane of the A27 eastbound was being opened, with one lane remaining closed.

But he warned drivers to expect "large tailbacks" and advised them to "please avoid the area if possible".

The road has since been cleared and reopened.

Video credit: James Harding