A man discovered in a burning car has been identified.

The body of the man in his 30s was discovered in a car on fire in a layby between Chickerell and Portesham. 

Emergency services rushed to the scene on Bramdon Lane yesterday. The road was closed in both directions.

Drivers were being advised to use the A35 instead of the B3157 coast road due to the closure. 

Police said they are currently investigating the cause of the fire, but that there is nothing to indicate a collision at this stage.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "We were called at 12pm on Monday September 30 to reports of a vehicle fire in Bramdon Lane on the B3157 coast road near Portesham.

"Very sadly the body of a man aged in his 30s was found in the vehicle. 

"The death is not being treated as suspicious. His next of kin has been informed and the coroner notified.

"Road closures were put in place for emergency services to deal with the incident. The road reopened at approximately 5pm. We would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding during the closures."

A spokesman for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 11.50am firefighters from Weymouth were alerted to a vehicle fire in Bramdon Lane, Portesham.

"One fire engine from Weymouth was sent to this incident. Firefighters used two hose reels and two sets of breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire which affected one vehicle."