This morning in Shepton Mallet, a sudden lorry tyre explosion on Commercial Road, close to the entrance to Shaftgate Avenue, rattled local residents and motorists.

At approximately 9:50am, the loud detonation of the lorry tyre resonated throughout the town, making nearby buildings shudder.

Following the tyre burst, the trailer's rear portion, loaded with a forklift, ignited.

Firefighting teams promptly arrived at the location to manage the escalating situation.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "Multiple calls were received reporting a lorry on fire in Commercial Road, Shepton Mallet. 

"One fire engine from Shepton Mallet and a fire engine from Wells attended this incident.

"This was a fire involving a commercial trailer unit carrying timber and plastic. Tractor unit removed and not involved. Equipment used by crews .. two breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets, one main jet, one safety jet and a thermal imaging camera. The fire was accidental caused by a tyre blow out on the trailer unit. 70% damage to the trailer unit. "

The incident had been cleared by 11.42am