A STRETCH of the A14 in Ipswich was closed for seven hours today after a car went into a ditch and burst into flames.Emergency services were called to the eastbound carriageway between Claydon and White House after a Land Rover collided with an articulated lorry at about 3.30am.

A STRETCH of the A14 in Ipswich was closed for seven hours today after a car went into a ditch and burst into flames.

Emergency services were called to the eastbound carriageway between Claydon and White House after a Land Rover collided with an articulated lorry at about 3.30am.

Firefighters worked to tackle the blaze and initially it was feared there could be people trapped inside or laying injured nearby.

Thermal imaging equipment was used to check the vehicle for signs of life while an RAF search and rescue helicopter was drafted in to scour the surrounding area.

A police spokesman said it later emerged that the driver of the vehicle had left the scene, returning some time later before being taken to hospital for treatment.

“We were dealing with it as a potential fatal as we didn't know if anybody was inside,” the spokesman said.

“The Land Rover Discovery had collided with an articulated lorry, went down the bank and burst into flames.

“At that time, with the absence of evidence, we thought the person had perished in the car

Three fire crews attended the scene and two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a single hose reel jet to control the flames.

The eastbound carriageway remained closed until 10.40am while the incident was dealt with.

A diversion was set up through Sproughton.

Anyone with information on the accident is asked to contact Suffolk police on 01473 613500.