A CAR caught fire on a busy road near Colchester this morning leaving drivers shocked.

The incident, which took place at the Frating slip road going onto the A120, saw the entire vehicle burst into flames.

Smoke could be seen billowing into the air as a result.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews were were called to the southbound slip road on the A120 to A133, Little Bentley, at 10.42.

On arrival, firefighters confirmed one vehicle was completely alight.

One eyewitness told the Gazette they were driving when they came across the incident.

They said: “I was driving along the dual carriageway when I noticed a plume of smoke, then realised a car was on fire on the inside lane.

“The car in front slowed down and I went alongside it to create a barrier.

“I could see a group of four adults by the side of the road who I assumed were the passengers of the car.

“They were retreating from the car as the fire was getting more intense.

“Then when we could hear sirens.

“Myself and the other cars at the front moved to the side.

“Unfortunately, this allowed some idiotic drivers behind us to take it upon themselves to drive past us and then the burning car which was incredibly dangerous.

“When a van went through the car’s side door threw out sparks hitting the passing van. How it didn’t catch alight, I shall never know.”

The eyewitness added how a police car soon arrived and then two fire tenders, who “quickly put out the fire”.

They added: “The fire service took the car’s passengers away and then within half an hour the queue, now backed up to the Frating roundabout no doubt, was allowed through.”

Firefighters confirmed they extinguished the fire by 11.15am.

The cause was recorded as accidental.