FURTHER snowfalls across Suffolk today were blamed for more than 50 accidents on the county's roads.The A14 was blocked at Wherstead after a lorry jack-knifed on melting ice and snow – and elsewhere in the county there was more traffic chaos.

FURTHER snowfalls across Suffolk today were blamed for more than 50 accidents on the county's roads.

The A14 was blocked at Wherstead after a lorry jack-knifed on melting ice and snow – and elsewhere in the county there was more traffic chaos.

At Wherstead the jack-knife blocked the westbound carriageway of the road under the junction with the A137.

The road was closed for several hours while diesel was cleared – traffic was diverted around the roundabout to Manningtree.

PC Jeff Cribb attending the scene said the vehicle had lost around 400 litres of diesel from it tanks which was spilt over the outside lane of the highway.

Driver Alan Stainsby, 54, said: "I hit a patch of black ice on the road and she started twitching and just came round.

"I couldn't brake in these conditions as I would have skidded further so I just eased off, there was nothing else I could do."

He had travelled from Newmarket to Felixstowe where he picked up and empty container and was headed towards Lutterworth.

The accident happened at 6.25 am and was still being towed at 8.30am during the thaw as snow turned to rain.

As well as the jack-knife, there were also crashes in Ipswich at Burrell Road and Woodbridge Road at the junction with Argyle Street.

Police also had to deal with dozens of other minor crashes across the county – although no serious injuries were reported.

A police spokesman warned drivers to drive according to the conditions. "Some of the back roads and minor roads are dreadful," he said.

He urged drivers to slow their speed, make sure windows and lights were clear, put headlights on and leave a space between the vehicle in front.

Early this morning the ambulance service had not received call-outs to any serious accidents in the Ipswich area.

Despite the conditions Galloway Coaches in Stowmarket were still planning to transport Ipswich Town fans to the Bradford City away match which is happening later today.

A spokesman said: "There is a problem but we are dealing with the situation as best we can."

Over night there was about one and a half inches of snow in the Ipswich area.

Tonight will see a slight frost. Tomorrow is expected to be a dry day with temperatures rising to 6 C (42F).

"The cold spell is ending already but it will still be chilly," said Star weatherman, Ken Blowers.

Suffolk County Council has cancelled the following events this weekend:

Framlingham County Music School organised by the county music service due to meet at Thomas Mills High School in Framlingham.

Ipswich County Music School, organised by the County Music Service; the three Children's Drama Workshops and the dance class Scholars, organised by DanceEast, due to meet at Northgate Arts Centre, Ipswich.

Children's events at Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich were also cancelled.